Summary

One Christmas, our beloved cake shop, Snowflake Sensations, faces serious
financial problems...
... will we still be able to operate? Mom doesn't think so.
With no dad, how else could we support our lives?
Will we have to live out in the snow-covered streets?
What will be of our Christmas?

Chapter 1: Snowflake Cupcakes

"Excuse me, what are those cupcakes you have displayed on your window?" An
white-haired old woman asks, pointing to the snowy white cupcakes on display.
"That'll be our newly made batch of Snowflake Cupcakes, Madam. They're vanilla
with icing sugar and crystallized sugar snowflakes." I respond.
"Grandma! Grandma! I want one! Please? Pretty please with a snowflake on top?"
The little girl of about five years of age whinnies and tugs on the sleeve of the
old woman.
Her grandmother turns to me. "How much does one cost?" She inquires.
"Five dollars." I reply.
She pales visibly at the mention of the price. Her little granddaughter blinks up
at her innocently.
"I could knock off a dollar for you, seeing as it's Christmas." I offer.
She smiled. "Thank you," She whispers.
Reaching into her tattered brown bag, she pulled out a small purse and retrieved
the only dollar note from it.
She's too poor to afford a cupcake. But to make her little granddaughter happy,
she would rather spend all she's got.
I let my instincts take over.
In an instant, I've had four cupcakes boxed up.
"Please, accept this box of cupcakes, our specialty, complimentary of Snowflake
Sensations." I hand the box to the little girl.
The woman looks momentarily stunned. "But---"
I smiled and shake my head. "Hey, it's Christmas season, after all!"
She grasps my hands in thanks. She smiles and warm wrinkles spread through
her face, a twinkle enriching her chocolaty eyes.
"Thank you," She croaked.
"Have a very Merry Christmas!" I wished the both of them.
"Merry Christmas!" The little girl quips and skips out of the bakery, while the old
woman follows at a slower pace.
Smilingly, I waved them goodbye.
Then I flipped the sign on the door from OPEN to CLOSE.
I drag myself into the apartment upstairs and sink into my beanbag chair.

My head in my arms, I groan deeply.

Now what?

Chapter 2: Cake goes BOOM

"We barely made a hundred dollars!" I moaned.

Little Lexy shivered in the mild-warm room. That stupid fireplace is forever acting
up.
Carolyne bit her lip. "That's really bad..."
"When is our payment due?' Jason asks.
"December 31st! New Year's Eve!" My voice catches. We are running out of time.
It's the 10th of December and we're barely a month away from paying our
debts... that we had no way to keep.
"What shall we dooooo?" Carolyne wailed. "If we don't send them the money,
they will kick us out of the only home we ever knew!"
Lexy sniffled and wiped her eyes with her sleeve. 'Does that mean we'll be
homeless and orphans?" She whispers.
I pick her up and hold her in my lap. Lexy is only four, and she doesn't deserve a
life like this.
"Shhh... We won't be homeless, we'll find a way." I promised, though I've no idea
how. "And we're not orphans. We've got mother and each other."
"Mom... has no idea, has she?" Jason asks.
At that moment, mom bursts into the room, wearing an apron over her blue
dress. She had chocolate frosting on her nose and cheeks, and her hair tangled
up and... were those coloured sprinkles in her hair?
"Children! Children! What are you doing up here in the cold and dark on a bright
day like this?" She chastised in her sing-song voice. Bending down, she scooped
little Lexy into her arms and began to dance around and around the room.
Lexy squealed in glee and kicked her tiny, spindly legs in the air.
Suddenly, mom stopped short, clutching at her stomach. Her really big, round
stomach.
I jump up and prise Lexy away from mom. "Mom! You aren't suppose to exert
yourself in... in your state." I support her back.
Wiping her brow, she exhales loudly. "Nonsense. I'm fine. I've been through this
before, you know. This is the fifth time!"
She gets that sudden faraway, dreamy look on her face. "Imagine! Five children!
Ooh, I'm a lucky mom!" She pulls us close and we have a nice, long family hug.
"We're not orphans, right mommy?" Lexy pulls on mom's apron. "Cassia said
we're not, but I want to be a hundred percent, complete, all sure, sure!"

"Oh, honee, We'ree a bigggg happyyy familyyy!! No one can ever separate us!"
Mom looks like she's about to start dancing again.
I pull her down. "Mom, you haven't been taking your meds!"
Mom ruffles my hair. "Oh, no, Cass, honey! I don't want to harm the little one!"
She giggles girlishly and puts her arms round her swelling belly. "Besides, I'm
completely fine! See, I even made us Chocolate Christmas Log Cakes!" She
smiles lopsidedly.
"Yay!! Chrissy Log Cake!" Lexy screams.
Mom chuckles. "See, I knew you'd---"
No one got to hear what mom knew.
Suddenly, there came a very loud explosive noise from below.
BOOOMMMmmmmMMM!!!!!!
"Oopsie," Mom half-giggles, nervous. I sigh. We really need to get mom to a
doctor. Quick!
"Looks like I shouldn't have added that wine into the sugee cakes! My bad!"
Yep. A doctor would be more appropriate than the fire brigade right now.
If we had the money.

Chapter 3: Dark Swirls

Well, we survived.
Now mom's lying on the ground in the bakery's kitchen, crying and moaning how
it's all her fault.
"I should've watched myself more carefully!" She wailed as she hugs her
enormous belly and sobs.
Carolyne puts her arms round mom. "It's okay. We're not hurt. Mom, don't worry
anymore." She pleads.
The kitchen's crowded with us Devine family, three men from the fire brigade,
plus two nurses, who had come when some passerby heard the explosion and
saw the smoke.
The firemen took care of the situation in a few minutes. It wasn't anything minor,
they told us, and we were lucky we weren't anywhere near the stove. It had
turned out that mom had nothing to do in causing the explosion--- it's simply the
oven's fault.
"Old and unreliable," a fireman noted. "A little too much heat, over the years,
and it goes haywire. Still, you have insurance to cover the damage, don't you?"
He directed the question at mom.
Mom stiffens. "I...I'm not sure. When I first bought this place, I'd tried to get it
insured. I... I think it'll cover the damage." She confirms, and I exhale in relief.
"Oh, well, than you're lucky. Well, be sure to get a new oven. This one can't be
used any longer." The fireman warned. Then, after briefing us kids on what to do
if this sort of thing happens again, warned mom on the importance of keeping
the place fireproof and safe for children, they left.
The nurses dawdled longer. They gave us a through examination, checking to see
if any of us had inhaled too much smoke, etc.etc.
They tried to calm mom down. "Honey, you can't blame yourself. The oven is too
unpredictable. After this, all you have to do is purchase a new one, and this won't
happen again!"
Mom wailed, "My kids! I can't believe I put them in so much danger---" She kept
on and on sobbing, cradling her baby bump and rocking herself to and fro.
One of the nurses asked, "Who among you is the oldest?"
"Cassia." My siblings point to me.
"May I have a few words with you, Miss?" The nurse beckons me to the door.

Nervously, I followed her into the bakery.

"Miss, your mom--- is she always like this?"
"She, she's supposed to be on meds." I tell her.
"For what, exactly?" She pursues.
I sigh. I know my mom can't help it. She can't help being mentally ill. I mean,
she's not retarded, slow, or crazy... She's just a little too hyperactive, too much in
the clouds, too unfocused, too excitable.
"She... she's just like in a different world, most of the time. She's just not
altogether down-to-earth, not really there... I don't know the name for it."
"Tell me, does she shift from one mood to another very quickly?" The nurse
inquired.
"Well... she'll be really happy one moment, like super-excited about nothing in
particular. Then, she will become so tired, she has to lie down for a good long
sleep... Well, even when she's not pregnant, she constantly mood-shifting." I told
her.
"Well, you should send her for a check up at the hospital. She looks almost ready
to deliver! When is she due, by the way?"
"She's in her third trimester, and she's not expecting the baby until about two
months later."
"She should go for regular checkups. You don't want any premature deliveries!"
I look at the ground. Mom needs treatment. We all know that.
The thing is: we have not enough money to support ourselves. We don't even
have a car!
"Well, make sure you tell your dad, when he gets home, to be sure to send her
for that checkup. It's better to be safe than sorry." She says.
I nod, numbly.
Really, what else could I say?
I don't have a dad.
In fact, we neither of us do.
They had left in way before our bakery's dark swirs period.
Yep, and I said they, as in plural.
We each have different dads.

Chapter 4: Dimmed Lights

Once upon a time, mom had been seriously attractive. Well, she still is now.
When she has in her senior year in college, she met this dude, named Michael.
Whoa there! I know what you're thinking. This Michael guy, he pursued mom, she
falls in love, they started dating, they do it, then mom finds out she's expecting,
and they get married... happily ever after.
Well, you are wrong.
Michael did try to woo her. My mom, being really beautiful, had been
homecoming queen for several years, and all the guys had their eye on her. It's
just... her illness.
You see, she's like, quite scary when you're with her alone. You'll never know
where she really is. One moment she'd be like smilingly happy, then she'd
suddenly go all hysterics.
So, the guys were scared of her.
That Michael guy, he tried. But mom turned him down. She said she wasn't
interest, etc, etc...
But that creep hadn't backed off.
He kept coming at her.
Okay. Let's get this straight. I have no idea why he'd go for a girl, even like mom,
especially as she'd turned him down.
Then again, I'm not a guy, I don't know what was going through his mind.
Well, on their prom night, he seized his chance.
You see, he knew what she is like. They all knew. But he took advantage of it.
They had their senior prom in a hotel ballroom. They were dancing and lots of
disco flashy lighting. Well, that creep Michael disguised himself as someone else,
went to the dance and looked for mom.

He must've conspired with some one from the lighting crew, because with no
warning, the ballroom went dark, only dim, coloured lights continued to shine,
but the music continued playing.
The DJ announced that they would continue their dance in the dim light for more
'romance'.
That's when Michael seized his chance.
Making his way through the crowd, drink in hand, he approached mom from
behind and said something completely sappy, like;
"Hey, beautiful. You are my moon, my sunshine, my rainbow, my dream."
Mom must've screamed. I know I would've.
"Hey, heey, now! You must be feeling a little jumpy. Here,*hands mom drink*
drink this. I got it for you from the punch table. You'll feel waay better, I
guarantee.
Okay! Cut! I know, i know, it all sounds so like a creepy plot. Creepy man, check.
Dark setting, double check. Unidentified man hands you unidentified drink, triple
check.
If you'd ever listened to your parents giving you warning after warning, if you'd
ever heeded those warnings, I'm sure a smart person like you would not have
fallen for it.
But mom is different.
I have to defend her after all, since you know, if she hadn't fallen for that trick,
hadn't accidentally on-purpose drugged herself, hadn't been brought to the
penthouse suite of the hotel by that creepy guy, hadn't, well, you get it.
If it hadn't been for that creepy stalker guy, I wouldn't have been born, like, a
year later.
Up till now, I still can't get how a total jerk like that could be my dad.
I still have nightmares.

Chapter 5: No cookies
"So... no more cookies?" Carolyne whispers.
Lexy's lower lip trembles. "No...cookies...at all?"
Jason punched a pillow. "How can you bake cookies without an oven?!" He
scolded his sisters.
"How can you think of cookies at a time like this?" I chatised, burrying my head
in my hands. "We have no oven!!"
"But... but they're mom's special Christmas Cookies!!" Lexy whines.
"Get over it, Lexy! We won't be having any cookies this Christmas, or any plum
pudding, or turkey, or pumpkin pie, or---" Jason rants.
Tears streaked down Lexy's face. "But, mommy always, always bakes cookies!
How can there be no cookies?" She sniffles.
Sighing, I take Lexy into my arms. As the oldest, I'm fully responsible for my
siblings' welfare--- and being a Devine, that counts for emotionally and
psychologically, too.
"Lexy, you've got to understand... we can't have a proper Christmas this
month---" I began.
Lexy pushed away from me, screeching" No Christmas? You mean no Christmas
food, no tree and no presents?" She demanded.
I sigh. This is starting to sound like the starting of Little Women.
"Oh, get over it, Lex!" Jason says, frustrated.
"But... does that mean we can't have Christmas music? No... no songs?" Carolyne
looks on the verge of tears herself.

I shook my head. These children have to face up to reality.

Don't they realize, that without a proper-functioning over, our bakery, our main
living source, is in jeopardy,
which means that our lives are in jeopardy, too?
I cover my face and groan as I take in the childish whinnings and screams as
poor, unsuspecting little children just realized that Christmas won't always be a
celebratory pleasure, and life doesn't always give you what you want...
"No presents? I want presents!' Lexy screams.
"Oh, this is stupid! How are we going to survive this? And you're whinning
because we barely have enough money for ingredients, let alone to buy you
expansive, useless, baby junk---"
"A clarinet is not babyish junk!" Carolyne screeches at Jason. "As as far as I know,
you wanted a guitar!"
"Oh yeah? At least I'm saving up for one, myself?" Jason retorted.
"So? Where did the money come from?" Carolyne again.
"Presents! Cookies! Christmas tree!" So what else is new?
I cover my ears and breathe in. breathe out. breathe in.
I will keep my calm. I will keep my calm. I will...
"Cookies! " "Clarinet" "Guitar" "Money:" "No oven" "Presents"
Suddenly, the door below banged shut, and a loud manly voice called up from
below.
"What's this I hear about presents, eh? Who wants cookies?"
Footsteps thundered up the stairs...
...and a face peered in.
No, let me rephrase that.
A grinning, red,, cheerful, don't care-ish,
ugly, get-your-self-out-of-here, no good, cheating, useless...
face peered in.
Lexy took one look at him and bounded over.
"MAX!!!' She cried joyfuly.

Carolyne and Jason just stood there. They gave each other a look, turned to look
at him,
scowled at each other,
Jason folded his arms.
Carolyne set her jaw like : do you wanna take him? I would gladly hold his lousy
butt for you...
Sensing serious trouble, I huriedly rise.
Turning, I face...
Max. the man I hated most, even more than my dad...
I reserve a special treatment for him, and him only...
"Hello, Max, so you're finally back...
"I'LL GIVE YOU TEN SECONDS TO GET THE **** OUT OF HERE!
DON'T LET US SEE YOU HERE IN THE FUTURE,
YOU LOUSY, GOOD FOR NOTHING---"

Chapter 6: Screaming and Crying

Screaming and crying...
... it's all I can remember...
We were so young... it happened when we couldn't make sense of it.
Mom had been no help. In fact, she seemed to be the main cause.
*****
As soon as I was born...
...well, mom had no job to quit,
... school was over for her...
...she couldn't enter any colleges anyway.
Her mom had offered no help in either way.
So, bundling me up in soft rags, she set off on her life's quest...
Fell ill, and had to be hospitalized.
Where was I? Well, Aunt Jessica took care of me, kind of like a temporary
babysitter.
Well, while I was bawling out my teeny tiny lungs and taking my first baby steps,
my mom had been getting hit on by this totally nerdy doctor in the hospital,
faster than I could say "coo."

I know, I know... ew!!!

but at least, you could say this might have had a little more dignity than her
previous experience.
See, my mom hadn't been ill, ill, as in deathly. She... I think she was just getting
weaker and weaker with no way to raise me up like a proper mum--- no money,
no proper education, no job.
Well, they said she was really weak.
I see now that it had been an excuse for Dr. Charming to charm his way into my
mom's life, messing it up more than it already is.
Well... let's just say that a supposedly two week stay became a two month stay...
and my mom returned after, like, seven months later...
...and my baby brother was born.
No, I'm not going to say The End, because it's not over yet.
This chapter of my mom's messed up love life hadn't ended with a hospital
scene, with her cooing over a newborn angry baby boy, a one year old hiding
under the covers, and a large doctor looming over the bed, an idiotic grin on his
doctor-y face.
The perfect bliss of a happy family...
...I don't think.
You see, after the doctor got my mother pregnant, he realized that he would get,
like, fired for what he'd done. I mean, you can't just go up to any lady patient and
be all, Hey! I love you! But let's not get married, kay?
That's like, illegal, assuming the authorities ever found out.
I'd like to say that, when my mom was discharged from the hospital after her
initial two month's stay, the doctor was still working quietly, behind the scenes
and whatnot.
Well, as soon as my mom left, the doctor turned all out of himself--- going crazy
nutty 'cause mom wasn't around...
...and at the same time, there was this other girl...
...she looked just like mom, only, hotter, younger, sexier, more beautiful...
...and that girl was my mom's sister,
my Aunt Jessica.
The reason I said was my mom's sister, is

the moment mom found out that her very own sister was going about behind her
back, hooking up with the father of her unborn child, she started up...
And we wouldn't want to stick around for that, wouldn't we?
*****
So, to sum up this interesting back story chapter on the birth of my little brother:
Screaming and crying...
...was all I could remember.
(It's kindda like the first few verses of Taylor Swift's new song, Blank Space!)
I was so young... I couldn't make sense of it all...
... it had only dawned on me that I had a tiny, angry little mass of a pest for a
brother...
Who, by the way, hadn't changed one bit.

Chapter 7: Please leave!

"But children, children, we can't have Christmas without presents!" The big doof
exclaims, the gap of his mouth from one corner to another is so wide, I bet I
could stuff a cake in there, whole.
But who'd waste a real, good cake on a big phony like him?
"Yes!" Lexy squeals, her temper long gone.
"Excuse me, but can you please don't go around encouraging her, Max?" I scowl.
He spreads his arms wide, and says, "Hey, hey now! It's the
season! Someone has to liven up or she'll turn all sour and bitter---"
I tug on Lexy's dress. "Come on, Lex, he's fooling you..." I mumble.
"Hey, hey! I'm for real sugar! C'mere!" He reaches down and grabs my little
sister in his arms.
"Why'd you come back, Max?" Jason demanded.
Max ignored Jason's question.
"Where's your mum?" He asked.
"Why should we tell you?" Carolyne spat, her brows knit.

"Hey, now!" Max puts Lexy down and holds up his hands, palms facing us. "I just
want to see her! Is there something wrong with wanting to see the woman I
love?"
I step forward. "Max, you've got to leave. Now, before she sees you.' I grit my
teeth.
"Oh, but darling---" He starts.
I flinch.
"Don't call me darling!' I hissed at him.
"Well, Cassia... I've come to make amends!" He grins once more, revealing those
dazzling white teeth. Ugh. I really have to duct tape that guy's mouth next time.
After all, what's one roll of duct tape compared to, like, five sunglasses?
Oh, yeah. The price.
"If you really want to make amends, you could've started by sending us the
money!" I scream at him.
"Whoa there,Cass! It's just money---" He says.
Turning around, a reach out towards the pin-board next to the door. Grabbing a
fistful of letters and red bills, I shove them in his face.
"Just money? Well, we owe these people thousands of it! How are we supposed
to pay them back?" I screech.
"Calm down, honey... I'm sure we could find a way---"
I scoffed. "As in...? Mom's working herself to death right now, trying to support
us!"
"And where have you been all this time?" Jason put in. "you didn't care!"
"Seven months, Max... you left us... left her like this... for seven freaking months,
Max!" Even Carolyne had something to say against Max.
He sighs, but it wasn't a defeated kind of sigh--- more like : Someday you bunch
of silly kids will understand...
But in the meantime, we weren't to be won over by this... jerk.
"Can you at least tell me where your mom is? At least she could help..."
"Help with what, Max? Help convince us you're not all bad?" I snorted.
"Well, good luck with that!" Jason said. "You think she'll be glad to see you? Well,
you can just think again!"
Unable to make sense of the situation, Lexy tugs at Max's sleeve, mouthing the
word : presents?

Max sighs again. "Children, i'm sorry about the way I've acted before! I know, I
know, I left your mom, I left you here! But I've repented, see?"
He spreads his hands in apology. "No more gambling." He promised. "I'm even
going to take you lot out for a spot of Christmas shopping later on!" He smiles at
Lexy, who claps her tiny hands and squeals in delight.
Jason folded his arms across his chest. "And just where did you get the money
from anyway?"
Max laughed. It wasn't exactly a cruel laugh, but it wasn't at all comforting,
either.
"I'm allowed a little money to spend sometimes, aren't I? Well, this time, I'm
determined to treat you... to make up for what I'd done earlier!'
I scowl. "Then why don't you contribute to the bakery?" I brandished the bills.
"Ah... you see, I will give you some of my winnings, er, I mean, earnings for the
bakery. If you'd just let me speak to your mom..."
Suddenly, a figure appeared at the open door.
"Get away from my children, Max, before I call the cops on you!"

Chapter 8: In hysterics
"Mom!"
"Mom, make him go away!"
Carolyne runs to mom and hides behind her.
Max stands up slowly and eyes the knife in mom's hand. "Lila... surely you
won't..." Then he cleared his throat as mom gave him a death stare.
Changing tactics, he steps away from Lexy, and I bend down and scoop her up
into my arms.
"Lila, I just want to see you, see the children..."
Tears were streaking down mom's pale cheeks. She griped the knife in her hand
a little tighter. "Don't make me call the police, Max."
"Lila, you don't understand," He started, desperately taking a step forward.

Mom brandished her phone--- the only phone in the house. "I told you not to
come back here." She snarled.
"Lila, for us, for the children, heck, even for our baby you're carrying... please,
don't do this to me... to us..." He pleads.
The nerve! Bringing up the baby at a time like this...
"Mom, don't listen to him." Jason warns her.
Mom's gaze never softens. "You could've at least returned once before..."
"Seven months, Max." Carolyne couldn't help putting in. "you left us to suffer
for seven whole months!"
"Well, I came back now, so I'll try to put things right for all of you, what do you
say?"
Mom takes a deep breath. "Max, I'm really sorry that you sorry so I'm sorry but I'll
have to--OMG, IT'S COMING! IT'S COMING!"
Now, really confused, we stared at each other.
"Grab the knife from her, goodness!" Max yelled at Carolyne, who's right behind
mom.
"What's happening?" Lexy starts sucking her thumb, an old habit we went
thought great pains to get her to stop.
Mom clutches her ginormous belly and moans. "I can feel it...." She whimpers,
flinching.
Rushing to support her, Max screams at us, "Call the ambulance, quick!"
"Cassia, what's happening?" Carolyne whines.
Staring at mom, dumbstruck and horror-stricken, I'm suddenly struck with
realization.
"Grabbing the phone mom had dropped, I dial the ambulance.
Please, pick up, pick up... I prayed, my heart racing inside my chest.
"Hello, you have reached the emergency operator, how can I help---" a
monotonous voice answers.
Without waiting for the end of the sentence, I screech hysterically into the
mouthpiece:
"QUICK! SEND US AN AMBULANCE RIGHT NOW, OUR MOM'S GOING INTO
LABOUR---

---WITH OUR PREMATURE, SEVEN-MONTH-OLD BABY!'

Chapter 9: Depressing Outcome

"You can't force us to! Cassia, tell him he's not to." Carolyne wails and pulls my
arm.
Jason's face is white, I can't tell if it's because he's nervous of if he's scared.
Only Lexy seems undisturbed, playing with a Skippy doll she begged Max to buy
her.
"You can't look after us for two months!" Carolyne yells at Max.

He shrugs tiredly. "Children, you have no choice. This is critical. You have to bear
with me for a couple of months while your mom's in the hospital."
"What happened to the baby?" I demanded.
Max's shoulder's slumped. He looked terrible. After he stumbled out of the ward,
he just staggered around for a while, like he used to do every time he came
home drunk, after he lost a bet. That was last time. Now, he sits here, his face
sagging, eyes drooping and hair a wild mob after he repeatedly combed through
it. For the first time that day, he looked defeated.
"it... My baby..." He croaked.
I exchanged glances with Jason and Carolyne.
This looks really bad.
When Max exited the delivery room, his expression had been enough to say: No
chance.
But when the doctor, (I don't know why we trusted mom with another doctor),
Max jumped to his feet and gave the doctor this worried pleading look I've never
seen on him before.
The doctor himself shook his head, signalling GAME OVER.
I had refused to believe anything--- still holding out hope that mom and the baby
are safe.
But I guess I had just been waiting... waiting for, out of all people, Max, to say it.
He heaved a loud sigh.
"The baby... was born too prematurely." He winced as he uttered every word.
Carolyne perks up. "So it's out! I have a baby brother?"
Max's face seemed to age twenty years.
So does mine, as I watch him transform into a whole different man.
"The baby... he couldn't... couldn't be saved." He chokes up.
Time seemed to stop. My head feels fuzzy--- trying to wrap my mind around the
fact that my baby brother, mom's new joy, my siblings and my hope in all the
business stress ...
is dead.
Carolyne seems to be taking it the hard way. She burst into tears. "No... no... it
can't be... poor baby..."
"Poor mom," I moan.

"How is she?" Jason asks Max.

"She's... she's blaming herself." Max sighs.
"It's my fault." Max covers his face with his hands. "I should've been there for her
all this while... taken her for regular checkups... then maybe this wouldn't have
had happened."
I want to blame him. I desperately wanted to shift the blame onto someone else,
especially if the someone is someone I reserve special hate feelings towards.
But then I remember.
I remember all those times.
Mom wasn't feeling herself, she was too hyped up over the littlest things, or
she's too depressed over nothing.
Those were the times I had been obliged to pound up her pills and slip them into
her drinks when she doesn't know.
I mean, at that time, I had no idea my actions would result in... in this. I had
thought I was doing the right daughter-y thing.
I guess maybe mom had been right all along.
This is all my fault.
I weep silently, not having the courage to let my family know just how much I'm
to blame as Max is.
The waiting room was a miserable scene that night.
One man, torn to bits, his soul destroyed forever by his past actions.
One girl, too broken up over her thought-to-be-right actions, that might've
resulted in the death of her own baby brother...
One girl, her hopes sharded like glass... as she realizes she would never have the
baby brother she's forever wishing for...
One boy, angrily clenching his fists, as if that would put things right, his courage
put on to hide his real feelings of lost hope, grief and anger...
Oh, and the tiniest girl isn't to be left out.
She sits, playing happily with her Skippy doll, when suddenly she somehow
unscrew the head of the doll and immediately bursts into tears...
"He's dead! He's dead!" She wails, holding up the broken pieces of the doll.
Way to brighten up the mood, 'lil sis, I thought to myself.
Blame Max for the doll.

Blame Max for the baby.

...
Blame me for its death.

Chapter 10: The Little Girl

I hold little Lexy, her head on my lap, and smoothen her tangled honey brown
hair. She blinked her little blue eyes sleepily at me, and I brush away the tears
gathered at the corners of her eyes.

Carolyne's head is rested on my shoulders, and beside me, Jason's eyelids are
half closed.
This taxi's going really slow. I think in my head, a little drowsy. I close my eyes
and lean back against the worn car seat. The ride to the hospital wasn't this
long.
Then again, I guess the taxi's crawling along in it's slowest pace, even though it's
way past midnight, there are still many cars on the roads. Once upon a time, I
used to really want to explore the world outside my comfort zone. We never
really had the chance. With no car, we had to walk everywhere. To school, to the
market to purchase groceries...
It's only until mom had met Carolyne's father did I really ride in a car. I think I
had, even before that, but I was still too young to remember the experience. Ben
did have a really wonderful car... a BMW, I think. Maybe that had been one of the
reasons why mom was attracted to him in the first place--- he'd take her out for
fancy dates in his cool car. The least he could've done was provide us one, too.
Mom had started dating Ben ever since Jason could toddle around on his two tiny
feet, constantly hitting surfaces and toppling over. At that time, we didn't have a
bakery, heck, we didn't even own any place remotely resembling a home-ish
house. Mom had lived in a dingy, dirty, gray flat provided by the social
councilors, for women and children with special needs.
Mom received money from them to provide for Jason and I, but it wasn't enough
for all three of us to survive healthily. Mom needed more money. We needed
clean clothes, fresh food, a good education and a proper living environment.
Somehow, mom needed to find work.
With absolutely zero job experiences, mom had to work odd jobs, like janitors,
cleaners, house maids. Occasionally, some poorer families might hire her to be
their children's nanny, or a super marts might employ her as cashiers. Those
days, her pay would be just a little higher, then mom would buy me and Jason an
ice-cream as a treat.
One day, mom had been offered a job in a children's day care centre, as a cook.
On her first pay day, she took Jason and I to... get this, the fair!
Both my little brother and I had never been to one before. This wasn't your
typical street fair, either. It's a moving one, complete with carousel, bumper cars,
Ferris wheel, the works. I remembered staying in the fair well past dinner time.
Jason began to feel hungry, so mom stopped at a burger stall to buy us greasy
fair food for dinner. I know... sounds delicious, right?!
It was there that mom met Ben. He was no ordinary guy, that I could say of him.
He was a hippie, with longish dark hair, multiple piercings, and large tattoos on
his biceps. All in all, he's your regular menacing guy you will most likely meet in
a fair. My instincts would've told me to run. Hey, even Jason's eyes widened at

the sight of Ben. But mom had taken one look at him and we knew there was no
turning back.
The very next day, Ben came along in his squeaky clean BMW, and had
graciously offered to take our whole family on a ride in his car. Being cooped up
all our lives in the flat, Jason and I made no objections at the suggestion.
Well, I couldn't say it was at all your average romantic sort of date.
How romantic could a date get, with two of your little children in the backseat of
your cool car, exclaiming over every gadget one moment, eagerly pointing out
the scenery the next...
Ben was a reckless driver. A real road rager. He drove like a boss, and that's
saying something. He did not hesitate to display a creative string of cuss words
when a lorry got in too close a proximity for his liking.
The crazy weaving in and out of the lane, and the screeching noises of the car's
tires, as well as Ben's coarse voice calling out all the swear words both written
and unwritten in the dictionary, made me horribly, terribly, car-sick. Or maybe it
was because I had never really been in a car before.
I did not, could not, and would not, resist the urge to fend off the nauseating
wave of bile rising up in my throat. I did the rational thing--- I threw up.
Well, I tried to catch most of it in a bag, but some still spilled out and landed on
Ben's luxury car's seat. You should've seen his face right then! He was trying to
decide between stopping his precious car there and then, kicking me out and
driving like a madman to the nearest car station to bully the poor worker there
into cleaning that up for him for free, or to behave like a gentleman in front of
mom. After all, he was on a date. He was supposed to display a gentlemanly
attitude all night in front of a lady, of whom he's courting and her two little
children, of whom were still young and innocent.
Well, let's say he deserved praise for what he done that night. Anyone else
might've not recognized him if they saw him then! He just chuckled, stopped the
car at the nearest gas station and helped to clean me up. He even ruffled Jason's
hair, called him a tough nut (he really did hit the target on the head) and told
him to 'hang in there, buddy!'
That was probably the first, and last nice thing he'd ever done to our family.
The next time he came rolling around, he and mom made sure to hand Jason and
I over to a nanny, or a babysitter while they go out... doing their thing. One night,
while Jason and I were locked up in the flat with Nanny McPhee (sorry, it was the
only nanny's name I could come up with), wailing about going to bed early, and
having to take our vitamins, when there came a loud, official knock on the front
door.
I ran to answer it, and received a tremendous shock to see a stern and important
looking police officer at the door.

"Where--- where's mom?" I demanded, timidly.

He moved aside, revealing mom, hunched up, looking as shaken as... well, as the
time she found out doctor heart brake wasn't completely loyal to her face...
"My children... officer..." She shivered.
"Madam, you were caught riding in a stolen car with a local dangerous gang
leader. A truckload of illegal drugs were discovered in the car. You claim to have
no idea of the events around you. We need you to fill out a report---"
At that time, I had no idea what was going on. I could only blink my little eyes up
at the grown ups, marvelling at the police officer's smart uniform, worried about
mom being in trouble...
"Ha! I knew that scumbag was up to no good all along..." Nanny McPhee had
remarked, a smug expression on her face.
"Madam, do you know of any other offences he made that we could charge him
with? Any rough-handling, deceit..."
I remember mom looking ashen, and panic-stricken- and embarrassed. Then she
did something that had scarred me for life--- she turned her back and pulled off
her blouse. Everyone in the room gasped.
There was large, bluish-blackish bruises on mom's back. They spread out over
her skin like floral patterns, but these were really ugly and nauseatingly painful
to look at.
"Madam," the officer addressed mom, now really concerned. "You need to file
immediate reports on this guy, then see about those bruises there, Such actions
should never go unpunished!" He said, indignant.
But mom just stood there, her back towards us, stock still and stared at the
moon in the sky, which I still remember was a full.
"Madam?" "Mom?" "Miss Devine?"
"How could I press charges against him?" She said dreamily.
"Miss, you haven't been taking your meds!" Nanny remarked, worriedly.
"No... I couldn't. I couldn't do this to the man..." She'd started to murmer to
herself. Even I started to realize that my mom had probably been scarred for life.
She raised her arms and placed her hands on her hips. Bending down, she spoke
softly. "You don't want him to be the black sheep, don't you? You don't want to
grow up knowing..."
Jason couldn't stand seeing mom like that anymore and reached out to tug at
mom's arm.

Jolted awake from her sudden stupor, mom turned around--- and everyone
gasped once more as realization began to sink in...
Clutching the obvious bump on her stomach, mom cooed, "Now, we couldn't let
my little girl grow up knowing who her father was..." She murmurs.
It was quite awhile later before I realize the 'little girl' she was talking about
hadn't been me...
Chapter 11: Hot Chocolate
By the time the taxi screeched into the dark alleyway at the beginning of out
street, practically the whole car had dozed off.
Max jerked up when the taxi driver honked the horn impatiently. He quickly paid
the driver and I rubbed my eyes. "Wake up, Carolyne, Jason." I hiss into their
ears. Hugging the sleeping Lexy, I open the car door, thanked the driver and
stepped out onto the solid road once more.
Yawning, Carolyne whines," Why did he leave us stranded?"
I take her hand in my free one. "He left us at the beginning of our street. The taxi
couldn't pass through the narrow lane." I point out.
"Come along now, children." Max herds us down the lane. "It's frightfully late
now, and you're all shivering!"
"When will mom come home?" Jason asks, trailing behind us.
"Come on Jace, walk in front of us." I steer him to the front.
"I'm old enough," He mumbles, but he obliges. He may be fourteen, and that's
not a very young age, but he'd been through enough suffering and hardships in
his life that I feel the need to protect him from anything... it's my duty, as big
sister.
Seems like I wasn't the only one with a responsible feeling that night.
"Here, let me hold little Lexy," Max offers, but I decline, clutching my little sister
a little tighter. She may be the last person I've got, the youngest in the family,
whom I can still protect.
"Well... when we get back to the bakery, why don't we warm up some food, eh?
You children really need to keep warm and full, or you'll all catch chills." He says,
tugging at Jason's snow cap and winding Carolyne's scarf tightly around her
neck.
Jason cringed when Max touched his cap, his mouth curling into his usual scowl.
"Don't have an oven anymore." He mutters.

"Well..."Max attempts to be cheerful. "At least have some warm hot chocolate
and biscuits before you take off to bed. These winter nights, it's better to keep
yourselves warm at all times."
He grins, but I can tell he's distracted. He, like the rest of us, probably has mom
on his mind.
We reach the bakery. In the dark, it looks... frightful. It's no wonder we don't have
very many customers lately. It's location is too concealed and desolate, and the
building itself is not much of a sight.
I sigh and shove my gloved-hand into my pocket for the keys.
"It's okay, Cass. I've got the spare." Max fumbles around in his pocket for his set
of keys and unlocks the door.
Huh. I never knew he still kept those...
"So that's how you entered this afternoon." Jason gives Max a glare.
"You still kept them... after all this time..." Carolyne says, in wonder.
Max manages a smile. "Well... I never know when I'll become lonely again and
miss my family!" He jokes.
"We're not your family." Jason say, cuttingly, and sprints up the stairs.
Max's smile wavers. "Ahh... well, but you are the replacement of a family, since I
have none to call my own."
Carolyne yawns. "Can we have hot chocolate now?" She gazes up at me.
"Yes, yes, dear. One for all of you." Max hastened to the kitchen.
I set Lexy on a seat at a table. "Sit with Lex, okay, Carol?"
I leave them nodding sleepily over the empty table and join Max in thee kitchen.
I retrieve two packets of rich tea fingers from the stores cupboard and pour the
biscuits into a huge bowl.
"Here's your choc, Cass." Max hands me a cup of steaming hot liquid, three
others in his other hand.
Surprised, I look up at Max, the man I had so despised for almost a year now.
Again, I wonder at the massive change that seem to take over this man. A year
before, he had came to us, jolly, witty and full of gusto. He had whisked mom off
her feet, and he was a great buddy to us children. He wasn't much of a
replacement for a father, but he was there, like a friend.
That was before Max had gotten mom pregnant, and turned to gambling and
betting shops. He came and went, each time because he wanted more from us,

he always demanded that mom give him more money to pay his gambling debts,
and he always brought up the baby in the middle of an argument. He always left
us, each and every time, leaving behind a trail of misery, hate and sadness.
Now that he'd returned, I don't know what to make of the situation. He claims to
have turned over a new leaf, but I want to be sure. After all, I can't forget those
times he left... he left every time he popped up.
Now, standing here, looking up at him, I do see a changed man. He had wrinkles
all over his forehead, his eyes had lost the jolly twinkle in them, and also the
anger he used to store up in them back in his gambling days. Now, his eyes
shone a new light--- sadness, struggles and self-hate... I could see him fighting to
keep himself together.
I graciously accept the mug, giving him a first smile in seven months.
"Thank you, Max. You should make one for yourself..." I hesitated.
Then, looking up at him, I change my words...
"In fact, I'll make you one instead."
To say Max looked surprised is an understatement.

Chapter 12: High Tension, Low Spirits

"Well, what are we going to do now?" Carolyne whines.
"The question is--- what are we going to do with him?" Jason fires, jerking his
head at Max, who is sitting slumped over his morning coffee, barely awake.
"Well..." Carolyne considers, "He's not going away." She whispers.
Even though Carolyne and Jason are separated by a three year age gap, those
two are physically unseparable. They may be able to hold hour long discussions
and arguments, but it's like they share a mental link, an emphatical bond.
"Make him.' Jason scowled.
"But... but if he wants to change?" Carolyne argues. "He could come live with us
then."
Jason rolled his eyes. "Change? Yeah, right. Carolyne, you forgot what happened
every time he promised mom he had changed."
"But... but this time, it's different." Carolyne insisted.
"How can you tell?" Jason retorts. "Just because of the baby?"
Carolyne fell silent. "I know it. I just know." She pouted.
Unable to convince Carol, Jason turns to me. "Come on, Cassia, you can't really
fall for the act!" He persuades, urgently.
"Jace, Carol, please. We are all having a hard time now." I begin.

"Oh, you don't care. You all don't." In frustration, Jason stood up. "Alright then.
I've warned you. You know who to blame when he takes off again." He stormed
away.
Oh, that's where you're wrong, Jason.
I care, in fact I'm really worried right now. What would happen if Max really had
no intention of turning over a new leaf? I have no wish to find out the hard way.
Over at the other table, Max stirred and I wriggled in my seat, uncomfortable.
Had he heard our discussion? Was he on his guard? Does he bear any positive
intention towards our family?
So many questions had been raised since the arrival of Max three days ago.
With the rush of events in these few days, we almost neglected the deadline
looming over our heads, With a gasp, I stand up.
"What are we going to do?" I wail softly.
"Huh, what...?" Max sits up and stretches. "Oh, had I really fallen asleep?" He
then shakes himself fully awake and stares blankly into space.
"Never mind, Max."I sigh and glance at my watch. It's nine forty-five in the
morning, and we only open the bakery to customers at ten. But since mom was
admitted into the hospital, we none of us had the spirit to bake anything
anymore.
Max yawns. "Hey. what time do you usually open the bakery? Isns't it late?"
"Ther bakery's as good as gone." I don't know why but I snap at him. Trembling, I
huddle in my seat, feeling lousy and completely hopeless.
"Come on now, kids! We can't just close down business! What would mom say?"
"She can't. Anyway, we won't be here much longer... the days are fewer and the
bills are growing. There's no chance."
"None. Nada. Zip. Zilch. Zero." Lexy proudly lists out all the synonyms, ignorant
to the high tempers running in that room that morning.
I feel downcast, empty, the feeling of dread settles deep inside all of us.
Max attempted to put on a cheerful expression. "Well... we'll just have to make
do for the moment! No use whining while just sitting around, doing nothing
right?"
"Well, then. What do you propose we do?" I fire.
"First of all, we reopen this bakery. People will start to wonder. It has been closed
for two days straight and just imagine how much we lost!"
"We don't make very much anymore, for your information."

"Then we'll have to do our own advertising! Come on, children! Think of how
much fun we'll have in the process!"
"We aren't allowed any fun anymore, Max." Jason appeared at the doorway, his
arms folded. "It was ripped away from us since the day you first stepped foot in
the bakery."
Max looked pained. "Aw... now I know we didn't part on good terms the last time
we met... but can't we---"
"Why don't we make amends? Say sorry and hold hands? Pat us on the back and
make friends?" Jason mocks. "It'll be easier if you tell us exactly why you came
back, Max. You owe us an explanation."
Max was silent. For a moment, thick tension hung in the air, all eyes directed
onto the brooding Max.
Looking up, he offers us a sheepish smile. "Please, children. I know I was harsh...
said hurtful things... fought with your mom... scared you..."
"Exactly why you don't deserve this chance!" Jason pounced.
Max stared into space. Then he sighed. "Look, I know what I did to your mom,
to you, was unforgivable... but I really am repentant now." He looks round at us,
a sorrowful expression on his grieved, unshaven face.
"Too late. You left us in a mess before, and you will again. What happened to my
baby brother was your fault!" Jason fired at Max.
At the mention of the baby, Max crumpled. His face sank with deep emotion--what all of us felt as well.
"You left her, knowing her condition was worsening. You came back, only to inflict
torture upon her, causing her to go into her... moods." Jason grimaced.
Max runs is hand through his untidy hair, tousling it up even more. Mom used to
love running her hand through his curls, playing with his hair...
Jason pressed his lips together. Apparently, he also remembered.
"How are we supposed to trust you, if you don't show your remorse?" I snap, as if
my anger could somehow wash away all those memories, the painful events of
Yesterday.
Max, staring into the distance, suddenly began to look revived.
Shaking himself, he got up and began to pace the floor.
"It's almost Christmas," We could hear him muse.
"Bingo!" He snapped his fingers. Jason and I exchanged stunned glances.
Turning to us, Max cracked up a tiny smile.

"Children--- what's say we go do a little Christmas shopping?"

Chapter 13: Young Shopaholic

I can't believe it. He's trying to buy our forgiveness.
We've been aimlessly walking around the top floor of our neighbourhood supermart for three hours, and Max has been pointing out every item he thought to be
interesting--- which is actually just the opposite, and also highly priced.
Lexy, of course, went all out shopaholic--- as much of a shopper as a four-yearold could be, which is sometimes more scary than your average income-earning
young lady.
"Lex, see this?" Max held up a toy piano. Not your average toy piano, mind you.
This one has coloured keys, with a built in recorder, pre-stored songs and
different tunes to go with each key.
Lexy squealed and rushed forward. She immediately started to try out the
unwrapped model on display.
"Like it?" Max grinned.
Lexy hit a button and shrieked in delight as a joyful tune of 'jingle bells' started
to play.
"Then I'll take it as a yes!" Max smiles at Lexy and picks up a box-wrapped toy
piano and placed it in his shopping trolley. "That's four presents for Lexy!" He
announced.
"Come on, Cass, Jace, Carol! I'm sure you want some presents too?" He smiles at
us, but Jason scowls and sauntered away.

Carolyne lowered her head in shame. I'd noticed her keep sneaking glances at
the instrument store across the toy shop. She's really longing for a clarinet.
"Well... I'm sure you'll find something you like," Max says, wistful. "We'll just keep
on walking, and searching. Come on, Lex! We'll go pay for your stuff."
But Lexy had wandered off and is now happily checking out a large display of
Dora the Explorer merchandise, and started to pick off seemingly the entire
contents of the shelves.
Max blinked. That poor guy doesn't know that we never go shopping this
extravagantly. Offer to buy Lexy a toy and she'll take it for granted that you
simply own the whole damn toy store.
"Lexy..." I called out.
Jason nudged me. "Don't stop her." He whispered. "She's his favourite. Let him
spend all his money on the little Princess--- then he whould've wasted his day--only Lexy benefits!" He whispers, so Max can't overhear us.
He does have a point, but...
"Max, where did you get all this money?" I frown.
"Oh, cheer up, little missy! You always have to spend a little more for Christmas!"
Max pokes me.
I cringe. "Aren't you going to pay mom's hospital bill?" I ask.
"Well, yes, of course!" Max sounded slightly offended that I should even suggest
he won't pay it. "It's because of me that she's warded in the first place." He adds,
his mood deflating.
"I miss mom." Carolyne mumbles softly. I pull her into a hug, smoothing her
honey-brown hair.
"We'll go visit her soon." I tell her.
Max straightens. "I have a suggestion--- why don't we finish out Christmas
shopping, and visit mom right after?"
"Great idea!" Carolyne brakes apart and announces, "Let's find mom something
ultra-special."
Jason came marching up. "Yeah, I know what she'll like."
Lexy skips up, her arms pilled high with Dora the Explorer merchandise. "I found
Dora!" She squeals.
"Does anyone find it annoying that she loves Dora the Explorer, considering
she'd never watched a single episode of that blasted TV show?" Jason raises his
eyebrow at the sight of Lexy.

"Lexy, you can only choose one item." Carolyne did her big sister thing, laying
the ground rules, while I'm temporary down in the dumps.
Lexy's lower lip trembles. "No... Dora?" She looked on the verge of a screaming
fit.
Now, I love my youngest sister, in fact, we all do. But watching her throw a hissy
fit in the middle of a shopping lot is not something you want to witness.
Hastily, I grab a handful of stuff from Lexy. "Lex, you can't have everything." I
lecture.
"It's okay, it's okay." Max butted in. "She can have five presents, no big deal."
Max offers, and Jason glared at him.
"How are you going to teach her to be a wise shopper if you allow her to have
everything she sets her eyes upon?"
Max opened his mouth to respond but Jason stopped him. "Oh no, you don't 'it's
Christmas' us."
"You can't just saunter into the supermarket, buy us a truckload of presents, and
expect us to just forgive you." Carolyne adds.
"We're not going to accept you into our family, Max, no matter what you do."
Jason dropped the bomb.
It does not explode though, thankfully, I might add. I'd seen Max in a temper
once too many, and I wasn't looking forward to see him like that again, especially
not while he's trying to be nice.
"Jason," I gave him a look.
He glares at me. "Oh, so you are allowing yourself to be bought into his act?" He
throws up his arms. "Fine!" He says. "Just don't get too worked up, Max always
disappoints, in the end." He walks off.
"Jason, you come back." I order.
I sneak a glance at Max, to see how he's taking all of this. The guy looks so
wound up and miserable, I almost felt sorry for him... almost. But then, he
resumed a nonchalant attitude.
"Well, we're done here, aren't we?" He directed the question at Lexy.
Hesitantly, she allowed herself to be talked into choosing only five out of all the
items she fancied, taking her time, mulling over every toy like they're precious
treasures she's going to have to leave behind. Finally, she decided to keep the
piano, a rag doll, a stuffed puppy, a Dora the Explorer pencil case and notebook.
Max smiles at her. "You're learning to become responsible, aren't you, Lex? Come
on, let's pay and get out of this place."

"Now, what would you like, Carol? And, you, Cassia?" Max asks as we walk out of
the toy store. Jason trailed behind, trying not to look like he belongs with us.
I grunted in response. I don't want that creep to buy me anything. It won't
change a thing. I just shrugged his efforts off.
"Carol?" Max follows Carolyne's eyes to the Instrument store.
"Ahhh---" He smiles. "I see we have a musician in the family!"
*****
One hour later, we emerged from the store, Carolyne shamefaced, hugging her
new prize. Max has a pleased look on his face, like, ah, he'd finally managed to
persuade Carolyne into receiving his expansive gift.
"Now, Cassia, it's you---"
"No, Max." I said, firmly. "For the last time, I don't want anything."
"Me too." Jason says.
"Besides," I add, seeing Max is going to put up an argument. "We've spent over
four hours here, and everyone's tired." I tell him. True, Lexy had complained five
times that she's tired of walking, and Carolyne had a headache, and Jason....
well, he's being Jason.
"And don't forget, we still have to visit mom. Visiting hours isn't flexible, you
know." Jason puts in.
"Yes, yes. So we are. We'll come back another day, Cass and Jace. I really want to
buy you---"
"Forget it!" Jason threw at him, his face pinched white. "I already told you, I can't
be easily bought."
"Jason---"Max starts, but Jason stopped him.
"You are no one to us, understand, Max? You don't even belong..."
"Jason, stop showing up! We're in a public---"
"If you can't decide whose side you are on, Cassia, I suggest you to keep to
yourself!"
Turning, he sped down the aisle, leaving the four of us gaping at him.
"Jason! Jason, come back!" I called after him. "We're going to the hospital---"
But my brother had disappeared.

Chapter 14: Gruesome Thoughts

When I find Jason, I so going to--What? Kill him?
Trust that guy to put up a scene in the middle of the super-mart, and run off
alone.
Thanks to him, we've wasted another hour at this place, with Max searching the
top floor, Carolyne and Lexy at the middle, and I'm at the ground.

Oh, why did you run away? I think, exasperated. Max did went overboard, but
you didn't have to go all over the top, Jason. Now you've caused us a massive
panic attack. He could be mugged, or worse, murdered, at where we live. We
didn't exactly ask to settle down in such a fearsome small town, but we didn't
have a choice.
When mom found out that she's pregnant with little Carolyne, she surprised us
all with an announcement--- she's not going to work odd jobs, every day,
morning to night... no, she wanted to spend more time with her children. She
feels that she's abandoned us, by leaving us with nannies every single day.
She started looking for a new place to live. Not too boring, Jason had pleaded.
Not somewhere in the Pitts, I begged. I wanted to attend regular school, go to
town, ride in public transportations...
Mom wanted someplace close to her work place, where ever it was going to be.
She opted for a shop lot, because they have an apartment upstairs, and the
ground floor space could be transformed into a business place.
Well... to be able to purchase that place, mom had to borrow money from the
bank. Loads of it, I might add. She used the bank loans to buy a property, and
transformed it into the bakery, and our new home.
Eight months later... we moved in.
Ten years later, we were still trying to pay up our debts.
*****
"Well?" Max asks, when we gathered outside the Instrument shop--- our agreed
meeting point, and also the last place we'd seen Jason.
Jason. My stomach lurched at the thought of what happened to him. Gruesome
thoughts kept flooding my mind... all those little nagging what ifs.
Carolyne shakes her head, tears rolling down her pale cheeks. "I didn't see him."
She sobs.
Max turns to me. My expression caused him to sag.
"This is awful. Just awful!" He groans. "Now what are we going to do? He's gone,
and there's no way to contact him either!"
"So... we aren't going to visit mom today?" Lexy wails. She doesn't really
understand how desperate the situation is. She's getting really tired of the super
mart now, I doubt we'll have any problems of her wanting to return anytime
soon.
"This is all my fault!" I moan, balling my fists and punching the air. My action only
saddened me further. It's something only Jason would do.

Max held out his arms. "Come now. It was no one's fault. I'm sure if anyone's to
blame, that would be me. He was mad at me, and that made him run off. I
should've stopped him from escaping, but his getaway was too quick... it all
happened too fast for us to react." Max pats my shoulder reassuringly.
"What do we do now?" Carolyne whines, looking up at Max.
Suddenly, it seems like the whole family, minus Jason, was starting to look up to
Max to make the decisions. Somehow, without Jason around to cast doubt, we all
placed our trust in Max, like someone had placed an unspoken vote of trust.
Max, looking grim, takes Lexy and cradles her in his arms. "Now, we go home.
Who knows--- he might've made it back, by some miracle." He muttered the last
words under his breath, but we could all hear the worry in them.
All the way home... I kept on worrying.
*****
"Okay, now we are in serious trouble." I announce in a voice of Doom, and flop
down into a chair.
After giving the whole place a thorough search, we concluded that Jason is
officially missing.
"Cassia, Max, let's go report this to the police, please!" Carolyne begs, bawling.
She's really close with Jace, and she can't stand not knowing his whereabouts--neither could I.
Max was already halfway out the door. "I want to, but---"
"A person has to be gone for at least 24 hours for them to be deemed officially
missing." I sigh heavily, raking my hand through my hair, not caring if I looked
like Princess Anna did after she woke up on Elsa's coronation day.
"But... this is an emergency!" Carol cried, impatiently.
"Well... I'll head down to the police station now. I won't be gone long. I don't have
a phone..." Turning to me, he gave me a serious stare. "Cassia, look after your
sisters, please. We don't want another---"
"Of course, Max." I cut him off. "Now, go--- and bring back our brother!"
*****
"Call mom, Cass! Call her!" Carolyne urges.
"Call... mom?" I question her, mystified. "But why?"
"Well, you remember your last words to him--- we'll go to the hospital?" Carolyne
regards me with her serious eyes, her honey coloured hair no worse than mind.
My little sister has a sharp memory.

"Yeah..." I say, my mind still in gloom.

"Well... he might've decided that he would visit the hospital... seeing as we would
head over there later on." Now she's worked her mind in a state.
But I, like her, wanted to grasp onto a straw... anything... anything would give us
hope.
"I don't know..." I say, doubtful. "He must've know we would be kept there
waiting for him... so why should we make an appearance at the hospital when he
knows we'd be looking for him?"
"I don't know, Cass. I don't know anymore. I just... just want him back." Carolyne
lifts her tear stained face up at me.
I reach out and give her a comforting hug. She sniffles and I could feel her tears
soaking into my clothes, dampening my skin.
"But... we don't have a phone."
"So we'll go to the phone booth. It's just down the street."
"But---" I say, doubtful.
But Carolyne had already stood up. "We just go down the street, make the call,
and confirm Jason's whereabouts. Easy." She laid out the plan.
Staring up at her, I feel as if I had suddenly slipped from big sister to younger
sister. Carolyne is four years younger than I am, and seeing her mature so much
in a day was just...
"I'll get Lexy." She says, interrupting my thoughts. "We can't leave her alone."
"Wait... we can't all go! What if Jason does come back... he doesn't have a key!
Max has his, and we have the spare. Mom has hers..." I started to despair, but
once again, Carolyne pulled me back into reality...well, not that I wasn't already
there.
"Well... I'm not going to just sit around waiting for miracles to happen. This is my
brother who's in danger here, and I will try everything I can to find---"
"Whoa there, Carol! I understand, but, I'll be much quicker if I just go alone.
Besides, who said Jason's in danger?"
My mind tells me though...
Carolyne huffs impatiently, "I don't care, Cassia! I'm going out there to call mom,
whether you allow it or not!"
With that, she strode out of the door and banged it shut behind her.
Luckily for me, I had quickened my reflexes since Jason took off.

Jumping up, I snatch Lexy from her cot and tore out into the darkening evening...

Chapter 15: The Search

"Carolyne! Don't you ever run off like that again!" I angrily cried out. The strong
winter's evening winds stung my eyes, each gust feeling like an icy-cold slap

against my cheek. The mushy wet snow covering the ground clung to my boots,
weighing me down. Anyway, I cannot run on snow, carrying my little sister in my
arms.
I wrap little Lexy's scarf round her neck, and try to use my body to shield her
from the ferocious winds. She clings to my sweater, shivering. I started to worry. I
hope she isn't going to come down with a cold. We had enough problems to deal
with at the moment without worrying about Lexy and her terrible colds.
"Carolyne!' I yell. There was no answer. I crane my neck, trying to see beyond
the trees. Where the heck is this telephone booth? She must've miscalculated.
It's not just at the end of the street.
I reach the end and come to the junction leading into our street. Left, or right? I
started to feel impatient. And also very furious with myself. I've lived here for
around ten years of my life, and still I failed to notice where the nearest phone
booth is?
I randomly pick a direction, and head off to the left, cursing my useless sense of
direction. I couldn't remember even the most noticeable of landmarks, how in
the world was I going to find that phone booth?
"Carolyne! Where are you?" I call, scared stiff. My voice carried off for a short
distance, before the winds picked it off and blew it apart. In my arms, Lexy
sneezed. Oh, dear. I'm certain now that she's going to catch a cold.
I silently chided myself for letting my sister run off in the dead winter's night like
that. Now, I'd lost two of my siblings! I clutch Lexy tighter. Her breaths warm my
neck. Having her with me was my only comfort, but she's my responsibility, and
I'm fearful she wasn't going to withstand the chilly weather any longer than I
could.
Please, Carolyne, wherever you are, please be safe.
I walk on, until I come to a rest at the main road, No, she wouldn't walk that far.
On the road, cars drove by slowly, it's drivers hoping to reach home before the
blizzard...
The blizzard...
Panicked, I turn and walk as fast as I could in the given weather, in the direction I
had come, But this time, instead of turning up the street leading to our home, I
continued walking on, hoping that the phone booth's located that side, and I'd
find my sister safely inside. Better yet, hearing news of Jason, if he's really with
mom.
Grasping onto those hopes, I trudge along with renewed strength. Please, God,
please let my siblings be safe, I pray.
I walk on and on. The path seemingly endless. Lexy never stopped shivering. I
never stopped walking, stopped hoping.

The wind howled through the trees, the usually pleasant-sounding noise doesn't
do anything to soothe my jitters, nor does it provide any comfort. I started to
regret my choice of bringing Lexy with me--- protection or no protection. If
anything happens tonight...
Up ahead, I spot a movement. I stiffen, could it be---?
I heard a creaking noise, like someone stepping on a twig. I froze. Who is there? I
wanted to call out, but intuition told me to wait. I inch sideways toward the
shelter of the trees. Whoever that may be, I don't want to bump into them
without the element of surprise on my side. No, I would wait to see who it is.
Mom's warning to never stray out alone in the dark nights weighed my heart. Too
late. It's all too late. I couldn't prevent my brother from running off earlier, and I
failed at stopping and finding my sister either. What a failure I am. Tears
gathered at the corners of my eyelids, but the winds dried my eyes.
I hear that person making their way, closer to where I crouch, hidden by the
snow covered shrubs. I wished fervently that there are some housing areas in the
district, some kind residents who would take me in, people, anyone, who would
offer any help. Just our Devine family luck to end up living in this small town, with
no sign of civilization unless you take a car and drive across the town. We don't
even own a stupid car.
I hear a cough. Too late, I realize it came from... me? No, it was Lexy. Oops.
I crouch lower, if that's possible, clinging Lexy in an uncomfortable position. If I
was unnoticed just now, I certainly will be discovered now.
Please, don't be any bad guys...
In my head, I picture all the horrifying events that had happened to mom... the
stories told about our dads, which never ceased to spook us till this day, but left
a smile on mom's face every time she found the need to relate them cheerfully
to us at the dinner table, a wistful look in her eyes...which somehow increased
the feeling of being clung to by invisible bodies...
Suddenly, the wind picked up a greater speed. No...no, please don't--Too late, I feel the blizzard. The sky opened up and rained snowflakes down onto
Earth, showering all in creation, well, in this part of the Earth.
If I survive the night, I'll make sure this is the unluckiest day of my life, the most
horrifying night--- I really don't want to stick around to find out how much more
horrifying a person's day could expand.
I lost my brother, I let my sister slip through my fingers, I brought my youngest
sibling out in the blizzard to catch a cold...
I hear a sneeze. This time, it came from neither Lexy nor I.
My eyes widen with horror as realization kicked in.

Snow kept on falling, and I find my feet sinking in the fresh snow.
How unlucky for us that we should all be out on a night like this--- My brother,
wherever he is, my sister, ditto. Max...
I gasp silently, and cover my mouth with my mitten-ed hand. Max... I had
promised him to protect my sisters... I gave him my word... and, and now...
My heart froze over as now, my hiding spot would be discovered within mere
seconds...

Chapter 16: Night Invasion

"I can't believe it." I mutter, staring up at the face peeking through the shrubs,
brushing the snow from the leaves to our faces. I shelter Lexy from the falling
snow, feeling her warm breaths and her steady heartbeat.
The person looking down at me rubs his eyes and squints through the snow.
"Cassia? Lexy?" He exclaims, incredulously.
Just as unbelieving, I gaze into none other than...
"Jason."
*****
"Where's Carol!' Jason cried, urgently. I took his arm and he hauls me up from my
cramped position.
Oof. I stagger, as my feet find a stronger hold on the snow. "Thanks." I mutter,
brushing the snow from my clothes, while my brother took Lexy from my arms.
"Where have you been?" I practically screech at him. "Jason, you don't know how
much panic you've cost us all! Max is somewhere out there searching for you,
and Carolyne..." My voice faltered. "She's supposed to call mom from a phone
booth, to ask if you're with her." My voice came out sounding hoarse. My mouth
is parched and dry, since every time I opened it to call for my sister, the wind
gave it a blow dry.
Jason's forehead immediately ceased with worry. "You let her leave the house
alone?" He demanded.
"Well, some people around here actually care so much about finding you that
they subjected to extreme measures." I say, in my defense. Jason continues
glaring at me. My shoulder's sag. "Fine. It's all my fault. Happy?" I was not at all
in a celebratory mood.
So far, we'd lost one, lost another one, found one, and the other's still lost.
"Gosh... we'd better go home and inform Max--He's searching for the wrong child!"
*****
"I am so going to get it from him." I say as I walk, nervously wringing my now
free hands.
"Why did that creep stick around for, anyway?" Jason scowled.

We're walking as fast as we could, Lexy in Jason's arms. We really need to give
her a nice warm drink, and tuck her into her cot with a hot water bottle--- I'm
afraid of her condition.
"Jason, we all care about you.' Was my crisp answer.
"Look, Cass, I'm" He hesitated. I waited. "I'm sorry." He mutters.
I smile, a tight one, but the first smile of the night. "As long as you don't run off
again. And you have to help restrain the others from ever doing so."
He cracks a smile. I don't know how his dad, the doctor, looks like. But now I
know why mom fell for him. Looking at Jason, I realize he is really attractive
looking... but he is my brother. He has rich almond eyes. Mom says his father's
part Spanish, so maybe that explains his dark eyes and dark hair. His broad
shoulders, his squared jaw, must've been inherited from his paternal line. Once
the scrawny little kid I used to know, is now a mature, fourteen-year-old, well
built, but... oh, that temper!
"So, aren't you going to tell me where you were? You owe us an explanation." I
stare him in the eyes.
Jason sighs. "It's kind of a long story... you see..." He began.
I kept my eyes trained on him. Without warning, he stopped in his tracks, causing
me to slam into him. Hard. "Ouch!" I complain, rubbing my sore arm. "Jason,
what...?"
"Shhh, hide!" Jason pushed me off the sidewalk, and I tumble into the shrubbery
for the second time that night.
I started to get up. "What do you think you---" I hissed angrily, then stopped in
surprise as my brother crawls in next to me.
"Just... just be quiet for awhile, okay?" He says, his voice strained in a hushed
whisper, as he wriggles to get a closer look at the bakery.
Exasperated, I train my eyes in the direction of his gaze and almost kneeled over
in shock.
Jason grabs my hand and pulls me down just in time. Lexy shifts uncomfortable
in his arms and sneezed twice.
Given the situation, I'd rather be ignorant little Lex than me--- in danger of a real
threat.
I braved myself up and take a peek at the bakery.
I groan. Yep. No doubt about it--- our bakery's in the midst of an invasion.

Chapter 17: Hide n Seek

"Are you sure...?" I shivered, cold thoroughly frightened.
"Hush!" Jason had one hand over Lexy's mouth, just in case she decided to burst
out in a song or something. "We had better watch our step."
I needn't be told twice. I watch, in half-fascination, half-horrified, as the intruders
moved about in our home. I couldn't make very much out of anything, but I could
hear some pretty terrifying words being tossed about the grounds.
I didn't hear full sentences, but I could distinguish some really foul language.
These people, whoever they are, are absolutely enraged. About what? I don't
know.
From time to time, I could catch the words 'debt', 'payment', 'money',
'blackmail'... the words just become increasingly muddled, and very fearsome.
Lexy sneezed three times in total. Jason and I had to use her scarf to cover her
nose and mouth, smothering the noise. We had to be careful not to strangle Lexy
in all the commotion.
As some sort of cruel joke, the snow continues to fall.
I couldn't believe our luck that night... no that day.
"All this wouldn't had happened if he hadn't shown up." Jason mumbles.
"Well... if he had never turned up in our lives..." I agreed. "We would all be
together now. Mom, Carolyne, Lexy, you and I."
"Listen, Cassia. Just now, I... I did try to go to the hospital. Carol was right."
I stared at him, baffled. "You would think we would be looking for you before we
take off!"
Jason stares ahead, not meeting my eyes. "Yeah, well. Anyway, I tried to hitch a
ride---"
I almost shrieked out loud. "Jason! You did what?"
"Quiet!" He shushed, glancing nervously toward the bakery. "I said, I
almost, almost hitched a ride from a van. I asked them where they were heading,

and they said no, the weren't going in that direction. So... no, I didn't manage to
hitchhike after all. You can stop glaring at me now, please."
I couldn't believe his nerve. "Jason! After all the stories... mom... you would go up
to random strangers and hitch a ride from them? What were you thinking?"
I hadn't realized that my voice was raising with every syllable. With wild eyes,
Jason grabbed me and dragged me deeper into the shelter of the trees.
"Try to cover your clothes in snow. Camouflage yourself! Hide amongst the trees
and snow!" He urged. "Hopefully, we won't be spotted."
We weren't a moment too soon.
About ten seconds later, two figures burst out of the room.
One was noticeably taller than the other, probably by a foot or two. They have
really big build--- or they just robbed every clothing store and bundled
themselves up with the winter wear. I don't know which I'd prefer--- stocky, wellbuilt muscle men, or fat, plodding sweater-stuffed ones.
These gave off their fair share of menace.
They crept outside and switched on their powerful torches.
I gulp. If they had torches... our chances of being discovered had just been raised
by about fifty percent.
I followed my brother's instructions--- though I shudder to think what kind of
results the instructions of a fourteen-year-old boy, foolish enough to hitch a ride
from strangers after tearing away from his family.
Nevertheless, I frantically scoop up mounds of snow and rub the stuff into me,
whitening my red sweater. Too late--- I realize that I had chosen the wrong
colours to wear that night--- Lexy had on an overcoat of the brightest yellow only
seen on construction workers.
I did what I could, minimizing the noise we made. I hug Lexy tight and wriggle
under a snow-covered bush, praying that our hiding spot would go undiscovered.
This time, I know for certain that we are dealing with dangerous men, an enemy
unknown to any of us, who wouldn't think twice about harming three innocent
children if the situation calls for it.
I watch Jason crawl under another bush with low-hanging branches. He had no
problem with his wardrobe colours, only his boots. They were bright blue--- mom
had been in her moods when she bought them. They would've better suited a
girl, but all of us know better than to point that out to mom--- especially in one of
her states.
Mom... I wonder if you are alright in the hospital. Come to think of it, you are the
safest among all of us at the moment. You must be wondering why we never
visited today, or called you... unless Carolyne somehow did manage to ring her

up... but then her questions would only serve to worry mom... she's start going
out of her mind--- practically, wondering if Jason's okay.
And Carolyne....
Oh, no. No...
I locked eyes with Jason, mouthing Carolyne. His stared at me horrified.
What would we do? If Carolyne contacted mom... mom would be worried,
because Jason is with me... and Carolyne would be worried, because she's all
alone... wondering what to do... and, even worse...
She might decide to come home.
At a moment like this. When we face certain danger.
I confirmed the danger part... especially when one of the men--- the taller one,
pulled out a small object, which I had a fearful suspicion resembled a gun... not
that I had ever saw one in my life...
Turning to his companion, he ordered:
"Mark, you go towards the west. I'll take the east. We'll sniff out those interfering
children, you see if we don't. Teach them a lesson on eavesdropping, that would."
Under the moonlight, Mark grinned devilishly.
"Oh, yes. You pesky little children out there, just you wait 'till we get our hands
on you! Don't think you can play hide n seek with the professional seekers, little
losers!"
Then, he began to make his way towards our hiding place...

Chapter 18: Ongoing Investigation

"Do you wanna build a snowman?" Mark's hideously out of tune voive rang out
through the dark of the night.
"Come out let's go and play!" Seriously, I wanted to strangle that man there and
then. Does he really think we are are Lexy's age and would come out and sing
Frozen track songs with him?
"It doesn't have to be a snowman!" He informs us. "It could be, like, do you
wanna hide a dead man?"
He chuckles at his comment. "Whaddaya say, Jack?"
"Just shut up and keep searching! You're not helping matters, you old fool, with
your morbid songs! Any sensible child would cower and refuse to show
themselves! Now, scat!"
Mark headed straight towards us, singing his stupid children songs.
My only hope is for Carolyne to hear them, and think twice about coming down
the lane at that moment..
I glance worriedly at my brother, while trying to keep Lexy as warm as possible.
Under his bush, Jasons trembling, his face as white as a ghost.
You cant hide any longer, kiddos! Enjoy your moment of freedom---while you
can!
It may be your last! Mark yells, followed by his evil cackle.
*****

All the time, I sneak glances at our bakery. There are no lights inside, no noise
escapes from that direction. All I can hear in the soft breathing of Lexy and the
loud, careless plodding of the two armed men staking out our street. Soon, it'll be
a matter of time before they discover us. I shivered and clung to Lexy for dear
life.
"Are you sure you heard something, Jack?" Mark calls out to his accomplice. "I'm
getting tired of searching in the blizzard!"
'Stop complaining," The other one orders. "They may be hiding right now, but
we'll soon sniff them out like the pesky animals they are."
"Children." Mark sniffed in disgust, like he didn't just sing a couple of verses of a
Disney movie song.
Suddenly, I hear a rustling noise. All of us stiffen.
"Hear that, Jack?" Mark calls out quietly. "It's coming from down the street."
My heart froze over. Oh no... that couldn't be--- it's not Carolyne... please don't
be her...
"Well, I'm going to investigate. You keep guard at the house, and make sure the
captive's bonds are secure. I'll just creep down and snatch 'em up, and we'll be
off."
"Why do you always get to do the exciting stuff?" Mark complains.
"Because I'm the leader, you doofus! Now shut your mouth and do as you're
told." Jack stalked off.
Mark swelled in anger. "Shut up, Mark. Do as you're told, Mark." He mutters,
irritated. "Since when you became leader?"
"Mark! I told you---" Jack called out in an outrage.
Mark stamps his feet in the snow and heads up to the bakery, leaving three
freezing children out in the woods, in the midst of an ongoing investigation.

Chapter 19: No Connection

<<Carolyne's POV>>
I raced down the street, as fast as I could go. I didn't worry about Cassia. I know
she'll be right behind me. All I'm focused on right now is reaching the phone
booth... right at the end of the street.
The snow squished under my boots, but my mind is in too frantic a state to enjoy
the snow. Finally, after a boring ten months, we have snow.
The wind whistled, rustling the trees surrounding me, and I shakily do up the
buttons on my coat. I felt mad at myself for not pulling on a thicker sweater and
my gloves. I shiver and stuff my hands into my coat pockets, but the wind
continues to blow around me, messing up my hair. I should've tucked it under a
hat, but again I forgot to bring it.
I reach the end of the street and glance back. Where are my sisters? More
frustratingly--- where is my brother?
I decided I wouldn't stop to wait for Cassia--- being the sensible older sister she
is, she would stop to bundle up properly, and she would've brought Lexy out too.
If she'd listen to me, they wouldn't need to come out. I would be fine all by
myself, but Cassia never believes me.
It's too late now. I come to the junction at the end of the street and wait for the
cars to slow down. They finally do, due to the traffic light at the junction, and I
cross the road, making sure to look towards my left and my right, and my left

again, like how they teach us in school. I'd never crossed the road by myself, nor
had I gone anywhere alone, either.
Suddenly, the wind picked up speed. I walk faster, suddenly not feeling so
courageous. I'd give anything to be with my sisters, and Jason, of course.
Thinking about Jason gave me renewed strength. I come to the other side of the
street, and sigh in relief. I hadn't been run over. Maybe I am street smart, after
all, despite what Cassia thinks. I turn and look back once more, but still, I don't
see her. She walks too slowly. Maybe Lexy's acting up.
Whatever her problem is, I'm still going ahead with my plan. I look for the phone
booth. I know it's here, somewhere. I saw it a couple of times, coming in and out
from school. It's not hard to spot in daylight, but at night, I expect there'll be a
light.
I am correct. A little distance ahead, I see a yellowish-glow from behind a parked
van. The phone booth must be behind it. I skirt around the van, and sure enough,
it's there.
I tug at the door. It's a little rusty, but in the end, I manage to pry it open. I step
inside the booth and immediately feel a little warmer. The walls help to fend off
the ferocious winds. I face the phone and reach into my pocket for the spare
change I always keep there.
After pushing them down, I grab the receiver and dial, my heart beating loudly
inside my chest.
Will I get a positive answer? Is Jason safe with mom?
*****
After a long, ten minute wait, I hang up. I stare at the phone and am suddenly
empowered by a strong urge to kick something.
No line, no connection... seriously? I had wasted all this time, and my change, for
nothing.
I push against the door with all my might and this time, it swings open easily.
I step out, and am immediately hit in the face by the strong winds, and a furious
fall of fresh snow. What a time for the snow to fall.
I sigh, dejected. Now to find Cassia and tell her the bad news.

Chapter 20: The Venture

<< Carolyne's POV>>
"Cassia?" I call out. I'm shivering really badly now. The wind continues slapping
my face, until my cheeks turn blue. I can't see them, but I know that I'm slowly
freezing.
"Wh-where are you guys?" I call, but my voice just gets softer and softer, until
the wind picks it up and throws it, scattering it in all directions.
I cough, a hollow cough that startles even me. I think I'm coming down with
something. I wrap my arms around myself--- in a sort of hug, to warm my body. It
doesn't offer much protection from the merciless weather, though.
I struggle on, trudging up the street, walking against the wind. Along the way, I
stumble. Being no match against the fierce wind and snow, I'm pretty much
surrendered to the frost. Elsa, please don't turn me into a life sized statue.
Wonderful, now I'm going out of my mind.

I keep on walking, the wind continuously blowing in my direction, chilling me to

the bone, through my thin clothing. I try to call out for my sisters, but my voice is
too hoarse. I don't think I could make it much longer.
The walk wasn't this tiring before. With each step I take, I feel myself grow
weaker, and slower, and I feel all my energy drain into the ground.
Jason... wherever you are... please come home safe.
With a last ounce of strength, I take another step forward. The snow fall is
becoming increasingly thick. I put a hand out in front of my face, and I can't even
see it through the snow.
Wearily, I walk on, through the dark night.
I feel drained, so tired. I know I should be concentrating on locating my lost
brother, but at the moment, I feel useless, like my bones had turned into mushy
snow. One large, strong gust of wind could knock me over any time...
I stumble blindly along, feeling my way with my hands. Suddenly, I knock into
something hard and jutting out.
I'm already unstable, shivering. With almost no effort, I crumble onto the snowy
ground.
Snow's in my face, but I have no strength to brush it away. I am too weak to prop
myself back into a standing position.
For awhile, I just lie there, head aching, heart thumping, a shivering heap on the
snow,
Please, please find me... find Jason... I silently beg.
I couldn't last it out any longer. Closing my eyes, I drift off into a blank space.
At the back of my mind, I was distinctly aware of some shouting voices. Men's
voices. But I'm too dizzy to think straight.
My eyelids flutter weakly. Suddenly, a bright light shone down into my face.
Cassia? Had she come to rescue me?
Then, a dark figure stepped in front of me, casting a long shadow in the light. A
much too long shadow...
I was dimly aware of someone shouting: "I found one!" before I blacked out
completely.

Chapter 21: Remorse

<<Jason's POV>>
I can't believe it. Of all the people to show up at my house in the dark of night
and hunt for my sisters and I...
they just had to be the very people I had tried to hitch a ride from in the
afternoon.
If I could kick myself I would've, a long time ago. But to do that, I would be
discovered, and how else was I supposed to protect my sisters if I'm captured?
The whole time the two men where there, I kept trying not to throw up all over
the snow. I know, not very heroic of me.

My weakest flaw is a phobia of getting hurt. Not physically. I can endure a little
pain. But emotionally, though... I had never been the strongest of boys. The
slightest insult could leave me tearing up inside for weeks. My sisters don't know
my weak spot. In fact, I try my best to hide them. I can't stand not being in
control of any situation.
I don't know what made me take off like that at the super mart. Everyone
must've been furious at me. I realize now how stupid I've been lately. But Max
turning up had been the last straw... it's like his presence is a bad omen.
Take now, for instance. Cassia, Lexy and I are freezing to the death outside under
the cover of our respective bushes, trying to escape capture. Heck, I don't even
know what in the world is going on tonight.
And Carol... I tried not to think about what may had happened to my sister. I feel
a twinge of guilt creeping around my heart. This is the result of my moment of
stubbornness, a stupid action that had brought down all... all this.
Max... I have no idea where he is at the moment... but if he is out there
somewhere, searching for the wrong child... and with these dangerous, armed
men looking for us, well...
People will get hurt tonight.
I can't shake off that feeling. Somebody will get hurt, and I could do nothing but
watch, helplessly, as the men continued their search for us.
I glance at Cassia, and catch her stare. She grimaced, holding Lexy, who couldn't
stop shivering.
Remorse weighed down in my chest. It was all because of me that my sisters
were out in the snow in the first place. No matter how much I wish I could turn
time around, go back and give myself a good old-fashioned slap across the
face... Seeing my sisters like this, not knowing where Carolyne is...
Somehow, the pain is worse than the feeling of the sharpest knife plunging into
my heart.
The first man--- Mark, I think, raised his voice and began singing some little
children's song. His voice enough was enough to make me want to show myself
and give him a good wallop on the head.
The only up-side of this torture session is that Carolyne's not with us. There is
just a little chance that she may be making her way up the street right this
moment, but--No. I pushed the doubt away. I couldn't afford to turn up my anxiety level any
further. I wrap my arms around the sides of my body to control the cowardly
trembling I hadn't noticed before.
Suddenly, I hear a noise coming from down the street. All movement froze.

The two men shouts at each other, probably issuing instructions, but my heart is
thumping so hard, and my ears are ringing so loud, I cannot hear exactly what
they are saying.
It can't be Carolyne. Please, don't let it be my sister...
My mind whirls frantically, grasping onto every last hope. Maybe it's Max, coming
home... maybe he's going to rescue us... he would be able to shoo them away,
won't he?
Against my will, I start to tremble again. I squeeze my eyes shut, as I hear
footsteps plodding through the snowy ground, heading straight down the street...
Not Carolyne, please, not her...
"I found one!" Jack yells.
My heart sinks and I want to dig a grave and bury myself right there and then,
like people do at the beach with sand, but only, I would cover my face as well
with the wet, mushy snow...
Heavier footsteps could be heard coming up the street. I risk a peek through the
crevices of my bush and gasp.
Slung across the shoulders of the evil man is a limp, frail child, barely
recognizable by her bright blue coat...

Chapter 22: Helpless

<<Jason's POV>>

All time seemed to freeze. Forget going back through time, I wanted time to
speed itself up 'till we were all a great, happy family once again, laughing
together over the night's hectic events, safe and sound, in the bakery, all debts
paid.
I blink. Once. Twice. Thrice.
Still, without a doubt, I'm crouched under a bush in the snow, watching in horror
as my closest sibling is being kidnapped.
Carolyne doesn't look very well... which given the situation? Probably the unwise
thing to say.
She's limp, unmoving, and I resist the urge to storm right out of hiding and
sucker-punch those dweebs for drugging her...
But then I see her blue lips, her deathly pale skin, free from her usual rosy tint.
I know the person to blame for this happening to her. If she hadn't went out in
the cold looking for me...
So many thoughts rushed through my mind...
I wanted to jump out of the bush and ambush the man. But he is way bigger and
bulkier than I am, plus, he's carrying Carol, slumped over his shoulder. If he were
to drop her...
Or, I could offer a distraction... somekind of distraction... probably make moaning
noises from under my hiding place... scaring those men away... No. They'd smell
a rat. They already have a low opinion on children, (though I don't want to think
of myself as a small child, they do) and hearing some strange noises would
immediately arouse their suspicion that there are other children hidden among
the trees...
I glance at Cassia. She watches, horrified, at the scene unfolding right in front of
us, like a brutal nightmare. What do siblings do when they're sister/brother is
being kidnapped?
I catch Cassia's eye. She must've seen the anger in mine, and she shakes her
head, indicating I should not show myself.
I could only watch, helpless, as my sister is being handled carelessly, turning
colder by the minute, clothed in only a thin coat. The man seemed to not take
any notice that his captive is slowly freezing, or he doesn't care.
I clench and unclench my fists, trying to steady myself, before I do anything rash,
and foil any hope of ever rescuing my sister, or making it out alive tonight.
I have to live. I have to save my sister. I have to make it out of here, catch those
cruel men, and...and...

"Hey, Mark! C'm 'ere and give me a hand, would 'ya! Unconscious girls are
surprisingly heavy!' Jack yells, not caring if anyone other than his accomplice
hears. After all, there is no one within hearing range to rescue us, excluding us
three hidden, helpless children.
I cringe at the mention 'unconscious'. How could they capture an unconscious
little girl? Have they no heart? I wanted to scream, to yell, to vent out my pent
up frustration. I'm not one for keeping silent . When I'm in a temper, the whole
world knows.
"Are you sure there is only one?" Mark exits the bakery, takes one look at
Carolyne, and scrunches up his nose in disgust. "Really?" He complains. "Is she
really worth all the trouble?"
"Shut up and cooperate! She may not be able to spill right now, but I've got ways
to make little girls speak..." He laughs, a harsh, cruel laugh probably originated
from the devil himself.
I wanted to rush out there and then. Talking about harming my sister!
Mark scratches his chin, looking doubtful. "Ya think so? Looks like this one's got
hypothermia, or something. Could she survive for long?"
Jack growls. An inhumane growl that only served to confirm my suspicion that he
is, of some sort of devil spawn. "i don't care if she dies on the way! We could hold
her for ransom--- he'd have to pay up anyway... Now just go bring her into the
van, or do I have to drag her down myself?"
I could only watch in growing terror, as they haul my sister off towards certain
doom...

Chapter 23: Bold Step

<<Jason's POV>>
I had always considered myself a coward, but this time, I knew I had to step up
and fend for myself... for my family.
As soon as the two rouges were out of hearing range, I step out of my bush,
careful to stay in the shadows.
"What do you th-think you're are doing?" Cassia frowns at me, shivering.
"I'm going to see what I could do." I set my jaw, my decision made.
"Jason! You can't be serious!" Cassia hisses at me. "You are so not running away
from me again!"
I take a shaky breath. "Cassia, what happened today, the whole day, was all my
fault. If anyone's to put an end to it... I will."
I'm surprised at my own determination. It took every ounce of my strength and
will not to back down from following those dangerous men.
I glance at my older sister.
She gazes up at me, her eyes pleading. She looks so wounded, so lost... I feel
sorry for her. She has had a bad day. First, she had to deal with me running off.
Then, Max left the house looking for me, leaving her responsible of our two
younger sisters. Next, Carolyne rushes off, alone, and somehow returns, fading
conscious, and is captured by two armed men, who had also invaded our home.
Oh, and those very men were the people who I'd met earlier, all due to my
stupidity.
As I look at my sister, I feel a sense of pity. As the oldest sibling, all responsibility
falls on her shoulders, since mom can't always be counted on to pamper our
needs. Now that mom's hospitalized... she has double the weight over her fragile
self. I hadn't noticed how pale she looked before...
I'm almost tempted to stick by her side.
But then I remember how the horrific events all began...
"I'm sorry, Cass. I started it all. I have to be the one to---"
"You can't just leave us!" She wails. I had forgotten about little Lexy...

The poor thing, she is going to need medical care as soon as possible... though if
anyone needs it most, it has to be Carol--I straighten, determination coursing through my veins.
"I know what I'm doing. I have to be the one to bring her back. Cass--- at least let
me see what I could do. You take Lex and go straight home. Warm up, try not to
get into any more rumpus..."
My voice trailed off. Cassia had emerged from her bush. Standing up, she flung
her arms around me, enfulging the three of us in a group hug.
I stand, stiffly for a few seconds, before wrapping my arms around them. I'm not
used to my siblings offering me hugs.
"Be safe, Jason." Cassia sobs, and I feel a ping of regret about leaving her. Then,
remembering Carol, I push aside all the thoughts of turning back.
"I will." I promised, with surprising determination.
Cassia pulled away, adjusting her hold on Lex. "Oh, what am I doing? I can't just
let you leave my side again..." She chokes.
I sigh, feeling depressed. "Cass--- we're family. We have to look out for each
other... and I've caused too much trouble for one day. Let me fix this... If I don't--I can't, can't ever look anyone in the eye again. I can't face even myself."
Cass takes my arm. For a second, the three of us just stood there, in our little
family moment. For all I know, that would be the last time we would be together
that night...
Then I pulled away. "Bye, Cass. Bye Lex."
I turn my back and walk off into the dead of night, taking my first bold step
straight towards the clutches of evil...

Chapter 24: Battle of the Kitchens

<<Cassia's POV>>
I knew I should have never allowed my brother to leave my side from the very
moment I watch him disappear into the darkness. The only thing that kept me
sane was the hope that I had my youngest sister to care for.
Suddenly, with Jason gone, panic rose up in my throat. The feeling of despair
crashes like a tidal wave onto me, and I have to struggle to shake it off. I can't let
myself go back to the time when it was just Lex and I, searching for Carol.
Well, now it's still the two of us, but this time, Jason is the one searching for our
sister.
What a really awful older sister I am. I couldn't even protect my siblings from
harm. I had allowed my brother to walk in dooms step, and who knows what
might befall Carol?
I shudder, trying to force my last memory of her out of my mind. Seeing her like
that, it felt like a punch to my stomach... leaving me struggling with the desire to
hurl. But there is nothing I can do to save her now... all my hopes are placed on
Jason...
I still can't believe I let him leave...
In my arms, Lexy sneezed once more. It dawned on me, that unless I wanted a
frozen Popsicle for a sister, I'd have to warm her up right away...
and that means I'll have to enter the bakery, alone. After what had happened...
Summoning up every ounce of courage, I slowly crept up to the entrance of the
one place which feels like home...
*****
Well, the front lawn didn't bear any trace of any intruders--- everything's left
untouched.
I calm down a little bit at the old tire hanging from the gnarled old tree, now
covered in snow. We had set it up for Lexy, the three of us--- Jason, Carolyne and
I. Now, it's worn out, and unused. Well, it probably was when we picked it up

from a ditch in the side road, but at that time, we were quite set on building a
fun swing for our little sister as a fourth birthday present.
The wind continues to blow fiercely, and the old tire is blown about. Snow kept
falling, covering the tire, so it doesn't matter how old and worn it looks like. An
empty paper bag rustles by, probably thrown by some untidy passer-by, or those
men...
Thinking about them caused my anger level to rise. You want to trash my home?
I hate you. But to kidnap my sister? Misters... you know you are on the losing
side as soon as we get our hands on--I push open the kitchen door, which also serves as the side door.
Unsurprisingly, the kitchen's in pitch darkness. It had been in darkness since the
moment we arrived--- Jason, Lexy and I. I vaguely remember leaving it on, before
tearing out after Carolyne. Now, why did those men turn it out again?
I fumble for a light switch.
When the lights came on, I can see why.
Clutching Lexy with one hand, I cover my mouth with the other.
Our home had been trashed.
*****
It looked like a bunch of drunk teenagers held an illegal party when their parents
were out of town for the weekend.
The tables were turned, and all the things we'd left to accumulate on them since
mom's not here... they were all scattered on the ground. Everywhere I stepped,
there are cooking utensils thrown about on the floor. The fridge doors were left
wide open, and in it's insides, puddles are beginnig to drip, as the ice starts to
melt.
All the ingredients were flung out of the fridge, which is not empty of food.
Eggs were thrown forcefully onto the sinks the cabinets, the walls, even... as if
someone purposefully egged our kitchen, in a terrible rage. Empty milk cartons
lay on the ground, its contents split on the ground, mixing with the eggs, and the
butter, and the sugar...forming one large dough on the ground.
I find a chair and turn it over. Propping Lexy on the chair, I take a mental scan of
what could be salvaged from the break in...
Absolutely everything is wasted.
Besides the chair I put Lex in, the others had either broken their legs, or were
covered with pieces of raw meat. Even the curtains looked like someone had
used a meat grinder and shredded them to pieces...

It looked like the ultimate war scene... like the battle of the kitchens...
"Oh, Lex... what are we going to do?" I moan, now totally dejected. We barely
had enough money to scrape by... and now, our home is lost--- to a couple of
stupid men... who also happened to take my sister away.
Now that I've seen the kitchen, I dare not peek at the other rooms. If the damage
to this one room is this bad... I shiver to imagine the state of the other rooms...
especially...
Suddenly, I hear a thumping sound coming from the next room--- the front part
of the bakery, where we display our goods for sale.
My heart thumps louder. I grip the edge of the kitchen sink in fear. Whatever is in
the next room...
It sounded fearsome...
and very much alive.

Chapter 25: The Middle of Nowhere

<<Cassia's POV>>
I have never felt so powerless before in my whole life.
Standing in the kitchen, one hand hovering over the doorknob leading to the
next room... I'd never felt such a strong desire to pick, to choose a direction.
To open the door, enter into another Room of Horrors, to discover the source of
the horrible noise beyond... or to stay in the comfort of the living room, with my
little sister, unable to shake the creepy feeling off my shoulders...
I counted to three.
Please, whatever it may be... don't jump out at me...
Then, I turned the doorknob... ever so slowly...
*****
<<Jason's POV>>
I kept at a fast pace, trying to keep up with the truck. As it is, the sleek snowy
roads did much to slow down its movement, or else I would've been left behind
long ago.
I pant along, dodging behind shrubbery to keep the men from spotting me--- not
that they think anyone would be, let alone a mere child.
The wind stopped blowing as strongly as it did before, and I'm glad. At least I
wouldn't have to freeze halfway along the journey...
wherever we're heading.
*****
After walking the whole afternoon, I was almost ready to collapse onto the snowy
blanket and just lay there. That just about sums up how exhausted I really am at
the moment.

The van hadn't once stopped on the way. From the bakery, we rounded about a
dozen corners, before I quickly realized we were completely cut off from any sign
of civilization. True--- we don't live at the most secluded place in town... but at
least that's a town, with miniature malls and recreational parks... the usual.
But where we're heading right now... it looked totally off the map to me...
isolated, lonely and extremely remote...
I began to have second doubts about following...
It only means I could rescue Carol, then get lost to the never ending woods,
dragging along my unconscious sister, looking and looking for a way home, until
Death takes us...
Or, I get captured by those two evil men, and be tortured alongside my sister...
for information I don't have.
I start to wonder which might be a better option at a time like this...
When I finally notice the van pulling to a silent halt in the middle of nowhere.
*****
<<Carolyne's POV>>
I feel so groggy. I stirred, trying to feel my fingers...
Wait, what? I can't feel my fingers?
My eyes flew open. Where am I?
It took me a few seconds for my eyes to adjust to the dark lighting... and what I
saw gave me the fright of my life...
I was in a small room... actually, room, does not define the place properly. More
like, small compartment. Very limited space. All around me, there are boxes of
different sixes, all stacked up haphazardly on the ground.
I'm apparently bound up, curled into foetal position, with a gag in my
mouth. Ughh. I can taste the strong smell of musty food, human sweat and
disgusting garbage-y scents.
Please, let me be hallucinating...
I close my eyes and counted to ten, hoping, by the time I opened them, I would
be home, safe and sound, this tiny cell-like compartment vanished...
No such luck. I open my eyes to the darkness once again.
I try to undo my bonds, then realize that I indeed can't feel my fingers--- they're
gradually becoming numb...

Suddenly, the night's events came crashing back down onto me, flooding me
with every memory.
Jason, Cassia, Lexy... where are you guys?
I want to cry out, to struggle with my bonds, but I couldn't seem to find the
strength to fight back...
With growing horror, I realize that I must be dangerously ill...
*****
I hadn't realized I'm in the back of a pick-up-van, covered by big tarp sheets,
until I feel the movement of the compartment I hadn't taken notice of before
come to a sudden halt.
Voices could be heard from the front of the van, speaking softly to one another.
As far as I could gather in my bewildered state of mind... there are two of them.
Hearing footsteps approach the back, I shut my eyes and lay still, which wasn't
very hard, as I feel my energy seeping from my body, vaporizing into thin air.
With a groan, the door was yanked open, and suddenly, moonlight poured
through the door, into the compartment, throwing light onto where I lay,
watching through half-closed eyelids.
"Come on, Mark. Tow her up the path. Keep the noise down, we can't be sure if
we're completely alone." I hear someone give out instructions.
Another voice grumbled something--- probably complaining why he had the task
of carrying me...
Then, I feel someone climbing into the compartment. I dare not breathe as I feel
him kneel beside me.
"Well... it's time to get the little sweetie into the mansion." he says, hauling her
over his shoulder.
"How do you feel about that, huh, sweetheart?" He asks, giving he a hard thump
on the back. My whole body repelled from the touch.
How do I feel? Does feeling dead count?
All I know is that I'm being kidnapped... and we have no money to pay
any ransom...
So I might as well be good as dead.

Chapter 27: Rescue Plan

<<Cassia's POV>>
When I opened my eyes, I look up to find an extremely dirty little girl next to
me.
I sit up, fast. "Lexy?" I ask, rubbing my hand at the back of my brain, where I'd
hit when my head touched the ground.
"Cassia... Max," Lexy points a creamy finger at the tied up Max, who had
managed to spit out his gag.
"Okay, Lex. No more playing in the mess." I shake my head to throw off the dizzy
feeling, and pick up Lexy and prop her onto the first stair.
Turning to Max, I question, "Okay. What in the world had happened here?"
"Cassia, please, undo my bonds!" Max begs. I can see egg stains on his red shirt,
as if those two men had thrown them at him.
I cross my arms. A little nagging voice at the back of my head whispers at me,
telling me not to trust this man. "Do you know those men personally?"
Max, if possible, turns whiter. "I--I, Cassia. Just. Let. Me. Out." He orders, while
struggling.
I tiny suspicion had began to form in my head. Pacing the floor, I mutter, "You...
you know what those men want... don't you?"
"Cassia, please." Then he saw the look in my eyes. "Fine." He sighs. "They
wanted money."

"Well, of course they do!" I roll my eyes. "What I want to know is... what are the
debts they are talking about?"
Max is silent. I pause in front of him. "Unless..." I ponder, "They mean the debts
of our bakery?"
Is it just my imagination, or did Max look a tad relieved when I suggested that?
"It must be... Cassia. Just undo my bonds."
"Hang on. But... the deadline isn't until, like two weeks later!" Now, I'm mystified.
"Tell me what had happened here, and how did those men enter." I demanded
Max.
Max scowled, then frowns up at me. "You yourself has some explaining to do,
young lady! I left you in the house with your two sisters, and when I came home,
there is no one waiting! Cassia--- you gave me your word."
His words pierced my heart.
"And now... you return with only Lexy? Cassia. Tell me everything--- while you
undo my bonds. Got that?"
I'd never seen anyone look so furious in my life--*****
"Jason did what---?" Max sprang up from the seat, having been freed.
"He followed the men. They had kidnapped Carolyne." I say, glumly. I head over
to the kitchen and replace the knife I'd used to free Max.
From the next room, I hear Max utter a long stream of swear words.
I poke my head through the door, a frown on my face. "Max... Lexy is in the same
room as you, you know."
Max faces me. "I can't believe you---"
Tears welled up in my eyes. I had not spent the whole night worrying first about
Jason, then Carolyne, and finally, both of them were cruelly taken away from
me... this has got to be the longest night in history.
"I know.... I mean, I don't know." I choke back a sob, thoroughly miserable.
Max makes a hissing noise which seems to originate from a deep rumble in his
throat. Lexy looks up curiously, and gives a sneeze.
I rush over to pick her up. "Oh, God. I... Lexy seems to be coming down with a
cold." I feel her forehead, and sure enough, it is warmer than the atmosphere in
the room... which could only be below minus one.

Max rushes around the room. One minute wringing his hands in frustration, then
poking his head out of the window, seemingly looking out for something.
After a lot of pacing and muttering, Max stops.
"Okay." He sighs. "Cassia, call the ambulance, and take Lexy to the hospital.
But---"
Looking me in the eyes, he says, "Cassia. After I leave, wait for ten minutes. Then
call the emergency operator and ask for an ambulance and for the police. I've
got a feeling the night would only branch out to the most dangerous adventure
yet."
I blink at him, completely mystifies. "But... Max, where are you going?"
Max set his jaw in grim determination. For a second, his posture wavers slightly,
and I detect fear reflecting from his eyes.
Then, regaining composure, he pulls on a scarf and informs me,
"I'm going to save Jason and Carol."
Before I could respond, he reaches into his coat pocket and retrieves a pen and a
piece of paper. Scribbling something on the paper, he folds it and hands it to
me.
"Give it to the police when they get here. Tell them, it's the location of the place
they are holding your siblings captive."
Before I know what is happening to me, he opened the door and rushes out into
the cold winter's night, leaving me alone, with Lexy, once more.

Chapter 28: A chance

<<Jason's POV>>
I'm starting to think causing a diversion was a bad idea after all. A terrible,
horrible one.
I'm crouching, partly sheltered by a couple of trees, and I can hear the calls of
the men surrounding the building. Well, for the moment, there were only two
men. With fearsome-looking guns.
A tremor ran down my spine as I take in the scene playing out in front of my very
eyes. I'd heard about people hunting for foxes out in the woods... and this is how
it must feel like to be the fox.
I lay still, hoping against hope that they would just pass me by.
"Hey, Jack? Found anyone yet?" The one called Mark calls out.
"Shut up and search! If they hear us, they won't come out of hidding." I coudn't
help smirking, even in a moment like this. Looks like the one called Jack really is
the 'boss', ordering his 'pawn' to do the dirty work for him...and demanding him
to shut his mouth.
"Jack! We're hunting for ten minutes now... and still no sigh! Do you think it could
be an animal?" Mark whines.

Jack made a growling sound. "I have serious doubts about that, Mark. And let me
tell you this: you better start toughen yourself up... you are in no shape to be my
accomplice, if you can't keep up with me. I'm having doubts about how long
you'll last."
"As if being the trusty sidekick is such an honour." Jack mutters.
Jack waved his gun at Mark. "Mark my words, Mark. After all of this ends... I'll be
the new boss, you see if I don't" He informed, a smug expression on his face.
Mark shot him a dirty glare. He opened his mouth to retort, but at that moment,
there came a loud noise somewhere towards the north side of the grounds...
opposite of where I am.
Mark and Jack straighten. Under the sudden burst of moonlight, I note that
Mark's hair is a dirty brown... all wild and curly. His face is clean shaven. The
other one, Jack--- his hair is tucked under a woollen cap, but I can see strands of
blak poking out underneath. He has a moustache, twirled to the sides in a silly
fashion... as if he thought that made him any less ugly...
"Hear that Jack! Let's go get 'em! This time, we've got them---"
"Shush! Don't let them know!" Jack strode over, cautiously making his way round
the building.
"You stay here, guard the building. Whoever that is, they aren't near. Our
prisoner may escape."
He crept into the shadows, leaving a disgruntled Mark behind.
I curse silently. With one gone, I'll still have to deal with the other...
I bid my time, not very patiently. I didn't have to wait very long.
"Guard the building, Mark, he says. Prisoner may escape... Pah! He ain't the one
to tie 'er up. I'm going too--- from the other side."
With that, he took off towards the opposite direction...
And I saw my chance.

Chapter 30: Freedom

<<Carolyne's POV>>
I woke with a start to the sound of shuffling across the floor.
In a moment, my eyes adjust to the light, and I see a figure looming over me. In
the dark, I couldn't help but notice the sharp, gleaming blade in his hand...
*****
<<Jason's POV>>
"Carolyne! Shh.. it's me. Don't make a sound now..."
I tiptoe over to where she lay, tossed onto the floor, trussed up like a Christmas
turkey in a slaughterhouse...
My stomach churned at the thought.
Pulling out my Swiss army knife, I creep towards my sister...

*****
<<Carolyne's POV>>
I couldn't believe it. I must be so ill I started hallucinating.
I close my eyes and take a deep breath.
Had I started hearing things in my mind too...? Maybe I had gone so crazy with
misery, grief and torment... just laying here on the cold, hard, ground...
My eyelids flew open and I utter a strangled gasp.
I had not been hallucinating. I didn't imagine voices in my head.
There really is someone looming over me.
Tears gather at the corners of my eyes as I gaze up at the person I had spent
hours over going off my head with worry...
"J--Jason." The very word seem to take away all the energy I have. I shudder, and
a wave of nausea washed over me.
At least... if I die today... I'd die knowing my brother's safe... and by my side.
I battled with my eye muscles. They wanted to sink... wanted to meet... I tried to
gather all of my force to push them back up, to keep my eyes wide open.
I just want to look at my brother a little while longer...
In the dim light, Jason crouched down and soon, I felt a sawing motion near my
feet. The vibrations spread through my body, like the chills I couldn't shake off.
Jason looks so weary... so scruffy... Cassia would order him to take a shower for
an hour again, like last time...
I suppress a yawn. I'm so tired...
but I have to focus on my last image of my brother... he's the last family close to
me that I could be with
during my last hours.
At my feet, I feel the rope binding my legs snap.
A shadow on the wall creeps close towards my head... Jason is kneeling by my
arms now... sawing through my bonds with a... Swiss army knife? That must've
been the one I got him for Christmas last year...
I smile up at him through my closing lashes.
I wished I have more time on Earth to spend with my dear family...

If I could, I'd go and buy the best gifts ever for my wonderful siblings, my loving
mother... hey, even Max deserves something...
I could feel the knife cutting through the last strand of rope holding my hands
together.
Against my will, my eyelids start to lower... lower...lower...
The last thing I could register is the feel of a pair of warm, gloved hands on
mine... his warmth spreading through my fingers like wildfire...
Freedom is so close...
And then, all went black.

Chapter 31: Choices

<<Jason's POV>>
The last strand of rope binding my sister together snaps, and I pocket my knife.
Sweat beads down my forehead, even with the wind and snow outside, I'm
worked up and in a frenzy.
"Carol--- we can leave now." I whisper.
She doesn't answer. I peer anxiously at her deathly pale face. I take her hands in
mine and a chill spreads from hers through my hands. She needs a hospital, I
think to myself. Now.
"Hang in there, Carol... I'll get you out of here." I promise, hanging onto her small
hands, willing my body to transfer all my heat into her.
The question is how do I get her out of this place, all by myself? Even if I were to
carry her out... my chances of being found and brought back by those men are
ninety-nine to one...
But as I gaze into my sister's white face, devoid of her rosy flush...

Even though she is laying right at my feet,

I'm starting to feel her slip further away from me.
*****
<<Cassia's POV>>
By the time the ambulance and the police arrived, I'm beginning to feel inclined
to just take off alone to the place written by Max.
As soon as I heard the sirens wailing in the distance, I had Lex all ready, waiting
by the front door.
The vehicles had some difficulty going up the path, because of the snow. In the
end, they did manage.
The ambulance came to a screeching halt, followed by the police.
A couple of nurses jump out of the ambulance, and I recognize the same nurse
who'd questioned me about mom's health... four days back.
She met me with a cease in her forehead.
"What's the matter this time? How's your mother?" She asks, just as the first
policeman runs over, and says, "What's going on?"
The nurse stiffens at the sound of the policeman's voice, and she shoots a frown
at him. He returns the frown.
I don't know what's going on between them, and I don't care.
In as few short sentences as I could, I captured the night's events and relate out
the latest's news.
By this time, the nurses had taken Lexy from my arms and they are now giving
her a thorough cross-examination. I retrieve the paper and hand it to the officer.
"These are the directions to the place Max seems to think they are holding my
sister hostage." I told him. The officer glanced the the paper and passed it to his
colleague.
"Excuse me, Miss." A nurse taps on my shoulder. I spin around, and notice it's the
same one. She stares down at me with a worried expression. "You little sister...
she's in a bad condition. We think it is just a cold... not deadly, but she still needs
to be admitted into the hospital for a proper checkup."
I cease my forehead. "Of course she should... it's just---"
I'm torn between going with Lexy to the hospital... especially as I know her
phobia of medical checkups...

But on the other hand... who knows what has happened to Jason and Carolyne?
My heart hammers like crazy in my chest as I realize that Lexy isn't the only one
who needed medical treatment...
Turning to the officers and the nurses, I inform them, "My other
sister--- Carolyne... she looks in a worse shape than Lexy. I'm afraid she might---"
I started choking on my tears.
The nurses patted my back kindly. "Don't worry! We'll dispatch another
ambulance to speed her off to the hospital the second the police takes out those
cruel men!"
She immediately turns away to make a direct phone call to the hospital.
"Miss." One of the officers walks up to me, the paper in his hand. "This Max you
speak of... what exactly is his connection with your family?" He gives me a sharp
look, like he is scanning my brain.
"Um..." I fidget with the zipper on my sweater. "Max technically isn't a part of the
family. He's more like... mom's ex." I didn't want to split on him about him and
the baby.
"I... see..." The officer narrows his eyes at me, a look on his face that clearly
states that he doesn't see at all.
I make an impatient noise. "That's beside the point! Now we need to focus on
rescuing my sister... and my brother, wherever he might be at the moment. The
real problem is getting there!"
The officer waits until I finished my rant. He probably is used to crazy girls
screaming their heads off in hysteria, but then again... looking at his job...
"Miss," he says, deadly calm. "I suggest you let the ambulance take your sister to
the hospital right now. She is in a bad condition... you heard Nurse. " He shoots
the nurse a look of... what? Remorse? I sigh. I had no desire to learn their history.
"But---" I started.
"You will go with her." The officer says firmly. "We don't have a moment to waste.
If your sister--- the kidnapped one, is in a worse shape..." He trails off, but I know
what he is going to say anyway. Anyone would know.
"But... I want to---" Suddenly, I am faced with an impossible decision... to let my
little sister go off alone with the ambulance and ride personally with the police to
save my other siblings...
or to follow Lexy and trust to the police to do the rest?

Chapter 32: Change of Plans

<<Jason't POV>>
I don't see how I could manage Carol all by myself... but there seems to be no
other option.
Bending down on one knee, I gather my sister's limp, cold body and hitch her up,
cradling her like I've seen grooms to do their brides on their wedding day.

My sister may be the lightest girl in her class...but her weight made me seriously
doubt my strength.
Staggering under her weight, I stumble over to the door.
To my chagrin, I hear a scuffle of footsteps I definitely did not hear before...
I started hauling Carolyne in the opposite direction, snapping my head this way
and that, looking for some other exit besides the front door... anything... an open
window, perhaps?
My sharp ears pick up the sound of a motor chugging to a halt, and I realize
there must be a car parked out the somewhere, besides the van. My heart
leaped into my throat. Perhaps... rescue had arrived when we needed it the
most?
Then everything went horribly wrong...
<<Cassia's POV>>
"Everything is horrible wrong!" I hear the nurse saying, rushing back to our side,
a phone in her hand.
All heads snap in her direction. "I couldn't get another ambulance! The attendant
informed me that every one had been dispatched, and ours is the last one--- and
also the nearest!" She wails.
"Snap out of it, Madam." The officer barks importantly. "We need to think up
another plan."
"Well..." I say, pondering the thought. "Since we badly need an ambulance for my
sister... why don't you just follow behind the police?" I turn to the ambulance
driver. "I--- I could ride in the police car, and hopefully we could find the place in
time, rescue my sister...and speed off to the hospital!"
Officers one and two looked doubtful... but since there are no other options...
that seemed like the best arrangement... for the moment.
"Alright." He agreed, disgruntled. "But on one condition, Miss---" His stare pierced
my eyes once more. "When we get there, you don't leave the car... understand?"
I wanted to open my mouth--- to protest, that I didn't want to be left out of the
rescue party... then I realize that I already am part of it... I'm lucky enough
already to be ridding with them...and I'll be able to see my siblings sooner, than
if I were to follow Lexy to the hospital first...
"Fine." I agreed. "Then let's go!"

Chapter 33: BackStabbers

<<Jason's POV>>

I could only watch, in increasing terror, as the door is swung open.

I shrink back into the darkest corner I could find, and pray that I would go
unnoticed for a little while longer... because,
In two seconds, I could be revealed, and the both of us would be tortured to the
death--*****
<<Cassia's POV>>
I'd never felt so hopelessly lost in my life.
"Officer... are you sure this is the way?" My voice is strangled, and I feel shaky all
over. For the few times I'd been in a car... this time is the ultimate ride of the
century. Fear? Worry? Adventure? All roped into one, in a chunky black and white
police car, strapped to a brown patched seat, a leather seat belt seemed to be
the only thing holding me together, in one piece.
"Trust me, Miss. I know those woods. The safest way there is through a
roundabout road."
I wanted to scream that now's not the time to play it safe. For all I know...
something is happening to my siblings this very moment. And I'm stuck here,
helpless, in a police car, strapped to a seat which dozens of criminals had
probably sat on over the years... and
they will be next.
The police car's radio is on full blast, which somehow doesn't seem very
professional to me... playing some kind of song I consider ironic.
Are we out of the woods yet, out of the woods yet, out of the woods yet, out of
the woods.
It seems like a century had passed since we entered the woods...
*****
<<Jason's POV>>
I held my breath as the door swings open--- revealing not two but, six men,
standing outside. Under the moonlight, I could faintly make out the outlines of
the two previous men who had captured Carolyne. The other four must be the
reinforcements who had just arrived by car.
Then the men shifted, and I realize, horror-struck, that five of the men seem to
be surrounding one, fencing him in, guarding him from escape.
When the man spoke, I received the biggest surprise of all...
"Let me go, fellas, or the cops will get you." Says Max, struggling to escape.

Hang on... says, Max??

The other men laughed devilishly.
"Oh, let you go?" Sneers Jack. "No, no! We must welcome the return of such an
important member of the BackStabbers!"
"Where's the girl?" Max demanded.
More laughter, and I could hear the sound of meat slapping against meat--- it
took me a couple of seconds to realize that the men were actually giving each
other the high-five of the strength of a couple of elephants. I gulp. I don't ever
want to feel that same strength unleashed upon my body--"See, I told you he would come after us once he knew that we'd got our hands on
one of 'em!" Came Jack's harsh voice.
"Yeah, cuz they were the reason he'd left us in the first place, isn't that so--Maximilian?" Mark jeers.
"Let the girl go! Don't harm her, she's just a child!" I could hear Max plead from
front room.
"You know why we kidnapped her, and brought her here where you could find
her, Max?" An unknown guy's voice booms out, echoing around the building in a
sinister way.
I heard Max utter a long string of swear words. I'm just a little glad Carol's not
conscious to hear the... Wonderful. Now I'm starting to think like Cassia.
"For one thing--- you owed us, and you owed us BIG."
"I told you, I had enough of this shoddy little go-between business, Jack!" Max
hisses.
"You shouldn't have joined in the first place, then, nor should you have run off
with all the business money. I'm afraid you've mess up big. And this time you've
got to pay for it--- Big time."
"I do hope you remember this lesson, boss. Don't worry, we won't hurt you
enough to kill you... more like a little warning. Your blood will forever taint these
dirty floorboards, forever reminding you and us, of what a lousy, back-stabbing
boss of the BackStabbers you are--- no pun intended. Now... we'll see if you don't
pay us up the next time. "
Then begin the worst nightmare of my life as the kicking and hitting began...

Chapter 34: Police Information

<<Jason's POV>>
So many thoughts swarmed my head, washing over my brain, crashing and
overwhelming my mind...
Finally, I see the light.
Fury seeped through my body, outrage coursing through my veins... I can't
believe that two faced beast had been one of them! That gang... who call
themselves the BackStabbers... they sure know how to back stab, given what
their *ahem* former leader had done to my family--I take in my surroundings properly for the first time since I set foot in the
building...
Those boxes, piled up around the room--- the sacks spread all around the floor...
the talk about some 'shoddy business' that Max had dropped out of... it suddenly
became all too clear to me.
And I now I'm trapped right in the middle of a heated fight--- and with my mom's
former boyfriend the victim, with my sickly sister whom they had kidnapped...
Things doesn't look at all bright for me...
*****
<<Cassia's POV>>
"Couldn't you have taken the shorter route?" I groan.
After spending about thirty minutes in this stuffy old police car in the dead
winter, I'd concluded quite a few things:
-policemen are big fans of teen pop music.
-policemen don't care how disgusting their car smells... and
-policemen love torturing their passengers--- most probably because they are
used to ferrying around the beastliest of criminals, a sudden fifteen-year-old girl
couldn't get more annoying, right?
"Sorry, Miss! These roads are pretty dangerous after a fresh blizzard--- can't
afford to crash, now, can we?" Says officer one, with a cheerful chuckle at me.
"Ooh, Ariana Grande!"

I had to shout over the loud volume. "But my sister's situation is in grave
danger!"
"What's that now?" The second officer turns down the volume.
"I thought all policemen would put other's safety before their own?" I yell.
"Well, now. Just think about it--- if we crash on the way--- who'd be the ones
rescuing your freezing princess then, huh? We do have to keep you safe too,
passenger!"
"But---but this is an emergency!" I screech. I know I'm probably turning madder
by the second, drowning in my own insanity... probably going to end up like
mom... I'm giving it about another hour or so.
"Now, now. You say this Max person is on his way there?"
I nod.
"Well... this just got even more of an emergency! If that man Max is involved..."
Suddenly, I feel as if my fingers have turned into ice.
"What do you mean... Max..."
The officer suddenly switched onto serious mode. "Miss... I'm really sorry. One
way or another... if the BackStabbers play any part in this... I'm afraid your
siblings aren't more worth saving than their hoard they're storing up there."
I grip the front seat tighter. "I---I don't understand..."
"Max is wanted by the local police for illegal drug trafficking. He belongs to the
most wanted, and most dangerous gang in the country--- the BackStabbers.
What's more, word's got in that he'd just quit the gang a few days back, and
stepped down from his post as the Boss."
The words couldn't quite register... but somewhere at the back of my mind... I
realize that Jason was right in not trusting him... I shuddered a little to think
about having a vicious criminal in the house...even living with one...
"There's more. It turns out that he'd owed the rest of the members quite a
sizable amount of money---even divided in five ways! No wonder they were so
desperate tonight!"
"That means... Carolyne...and Jason..." I stammer.
"They are all in danger of being murdered!" Officers one and two informed me
simultaneously.
If it's possible to faint twice in one night... well... it's possible.

Chapter 35: Lessons

<<Jason's POV>>
I don't know how long I crouched in the shadows, my frail sister unconscious in
my arms. But one thing I'm sure about: Max is getting the beating up of his life
out there, five against one.
I suppose I should feel glad that he finally received the punishment he
deserved... but somehow, hearing the thuds, the wallops and the punching... I
only feel... sorry for him.
Sure, he'd tricked our whole family--- but then again, which one of our dad's
hadn't? Which one of our dad's had returned after all these years to check up on
mom, on their own children? None, that's how many. Look at Lexy... her dad's
story is the worst. Well... not that we'd actually met him in person... only mom
did, of course. Just... one day she's all normal... then the next, she stumbled
upon this guy...
Okay... so maybe mom did get raped once... and Lexy's the *ahem* result. But
for some reason... mom never did fire any charges at the man... up 'till this day...
no one knows who her father is.
I remember that day... mom went out all by herself. She wanted to run a couple
of errands, pick up the flour and eggs, take the clothes to be tumble-dried, the
usual mumsy chores. She set off, and didn't return until Cassia had to telephone
the police. Luckily, the managed to locate her in a nearby pub, though goodnessknows what she was doing haggling outside there in the first place.
At first, no one wanted to believe the worst of mom... but then, white-faced, she
informed us in private what really happened...
She had never been the same until Max came along next. Well, not that she's
always *ahem* sane to begin with...
*****

The beating continued all night long. Sometimes, I almost dozed off. The sharp
impacts and bellows of pain soon woke me up once more, and I almost wish I
were Carolyne... but then she'd have to withstand the painful noises...
I wonder how Max is holding up... Is he fighting back? How long more until his
strength completely leaves him? Those men had said they would leave him
hanging on the edge of Death, I mean, they still wanted their money, don't they?
Though goodness knows how long it'll take Max to repay whatever sum they
want after those guys are through with him...
Suddenly, I hear someone shout an order over the commotion. Thankfully, the
beating stops. Now the sound of heavy breathing pollutes the still night's air.
"Think that'll teach him a lesson?"
"I wonder what won't!"
"BackStabbers would be so much better off without him now."
"He's wanted alive. We need that money back."
BackStabbers suits them nicely. Their leader stabbed our family in the back by--doing whatever he did seven months back... and now their members are turning
against him... or vice versa.
I sigh, thoroughly depressed.
"Well? We should be getting along soon--- day is breaking."
"What about the stash? I left them in the van."
"Well--- go retrieve it, you lazy scum!" That could only be Jack, ordering his
sidekick, the weakling Mark.
"I still don't see why I should do all the dirty work for you." Mark mutters.
"Shut up and obey! You are the newest member, barely passed your Initiation!
Now are you going to prove your worth, or do you need a lesson as well?" I
swear, I could picture his rude smirk in my mind--- I've got it memorized.
There was a scuttling of feet and the door slammed shut. Apparently, the
members of the BackStabbers responded well to threats.
"James, you go after him and make sure he doesn't mess up. We can't rely on
that one."
"Pete, you check on the prisoner. We left a little hastily just now and we must
make sure she is securely bound to the room."
To my horror, heavy footsteps stomped towards the next room, where I crouch,
hiding from the enemy for the third time that day.
Don't teach me a lesson.

Chapter 36: Its Time

<<Cassia's POV>>
I feel the world stop spinning, and I prop myself up on one elbow.
"Ouch!" I reach up and rub the left side of my head. Then suddenly, the horrific
realization dawned upon me...
"AAAHHH!!! Max is a criminal! We... Carol! Jace!" I screech, grabbing the head
rest of the front seat.
"Whoa there, Miss! Here, officer Ed, you got your gun ready?"
"What... where---?" I rub my eyes and peer out of the car window. We'd
apparently parked in the middle of nowhere.
"We're here, pumpkin! Anyway... great ridding with you, girl!" Officer Ed informs
me, loading his handgun.
"Yep!" The second officer agreed. "Didn't make a sound half the way! Hardly
stirred at all!"
"Uh... thanks...?" I had no idea what I've gotten into.
"Come on, Patrick. We have to be extremely cautious right now." Officer Ed made
a move at the door.
"Wait. You aren't just gonna leave me here, alone?" Fear crept around my heart
like icy fingers. One of my worst fears is the feeling of being trapped in a car, all
alone. I'd heard stories of children locked up in cars while their parents ran

errands, promising to return within ten minutes... only by the time they really
did, their car, along with their child, is gone.
"You promised to be left out of the dangerous part, Miss. You can't go with us
from here."
"But... you can't just leave me alone! Isn't that. like, illegal to leave minors in
cars alone, in the middle of the woods, in the dead of night?"
"The ambulance should be---" Officer Patrick adjusts the rear view mirror, and I
could see his frown reflected on it. "Damn that ambulance! Don't tell me they
lost their way along the roads! We'll never reunite with them!"
Panic bubbled up in my blood. "What if--- what if you don't make it back... in
time? I can't drive and there's no phone!" I wail.
Officer Ed and Patrick exchanged glances. "You know, she's right. As much as I
hate to admit it--- we might not make it." Officer Ed frowns.
Officer Patrick retrieves a piece of cloth and begins polishing his gun. "Whatever.
The thing is--- we need to leave. Before things escalate to a full-scale fight... that
could get very ugly, and very messy for a young girl like you..."
If the police themselves doubt that we'll escape with our lives... well, that made
me all the more determined to tag along. I can't let my siblings slip through my
fingers so easily.
*****
We'd been walking for about five minutes now, and still no sign of any building.
Officer Ed assured me quietly that they'd parked a little further from the way,
just as an extra safety precaution.
Suddenly, a vehicle came into view. Officer Patrick held me back, then motioned
for me to stay hidden. Together with officer Ed, they snuck up on the truck,
covering it from two sides. I hide in the shrubbery, watching with little
fascination, as a scene from a detective movie played out in front of my eyes.
The officers each pulled out a gun, and they quietly crept towards the parked
van. It looked abandoned enough to me... I don't know why the officers are
acting like there might be a bomb hidden inside.. then again, their absolute fright
of the BackStabbers had only proven to shake them up. I had no objections to
this... only, could they move a little faster?
Suddenly, I could hear voices coming from behind the van. Two men's voices,
both sounded eerie in the quiet night's air.
Without warning, the officers sprang into action. They moved in synchronized
speed, probably the result of constant training with each other--- hey, in a small
town like this, the police must've be placed on duty with the same partner more
than a couple of times,

There were surprised shouts and the flailing of arms, but all noise stopped when
Officer Ed draws his gun. Lifting it up, he points the barrel at one of the guys,
who I realize is Mark. I don't recognize the other man...
It hadn't dawned on me before that there may be other men staking out the
area. I gave a little shiver and wrap my arms around my sides. I couldn't help but
think about Jason and Carol... if they are being treated roughly by... by these
gangsters...
"Come on, Miss!" Officer Patrick beckons at me. I give my head a little shake. I
hadn't realized that the officers had overtaken the rouges that quickly. I hastily
scramble over, curious to see what they'd done to the men.
"In there." Officer Ed simply said, pointing to the van.
I nod, understanding. They'd locked up the men in the van.
Now it's time to go stab those BackStabbers in the back...

Chapter 37: Weak Spot

I couldn't move. It's like someone had pushed the pause button, and somewhere
on Earth, a boy named Jason is destined to be frozen in time...
I could only register the furious shouts, as the men realized that their captive had
disappeared, then the curt order of the new leader, demanding a search, and the
outrageous yet triumphant yelp of the beastly men as they discover me hiding in
the dark corner, standing over none other than their first captive... because now,
they have one more to add to their collection...
*****
When I opened my eyes, the world seems upside-down, topsy-turvy, and
spinning round and round. I realize that the side of my head is throbbing
vigorously. I try to sit up, but my arms are glued to my sides. With a small groan,
I peer down, and sure enough, my hands and legs are bound tight. I feel a limp
figure behind me, and I turn my head slightly, wincing with pain, and realize I'm
bound, back-to-back, with Carolyne.
Something runny dribbles down the side of my head... it feels warm and
somehow...
Oh, God. It's blood. I have a gash on the side of my head!

Now this is a cheerful tea-party. Three of us, including MaxStabber, are held
prisoner in this... drug distribution centre...
One knocked out cold, beaten to a bloody pulp,
One possibly freezing to death,
And one conscious, but with severe head injuries...
With no one to come to our aid...
We are all as good as gone.
*****
<<Cassia's POV>>
"There!" I see a dark building coming into view, and increase my speed.
"Now remember," Officer Ed warn, "Now's the time to tread on thin ice!"
Officer Patrick pulled out his gun and motions to me to keep back. "You'd better
stay outside, girl. It won't do anyone good for you to be inside."
I was about to protest, when we heard a noise coming from the building--*****
<<Jason's POV>>
"Tell me how you got here!" The mean guy, Jack threatens. At his side, a guy with
red hair brandishes a stick. Real threatening, considering that I'm going to be
dead, one way or another.
"That doesn't matter!" I scowl, refusing to look at him. Instead, I concentrate on
my sister, willing my body to warm hers. I'm beginning to give up all signs of
hope. We are on the losing side. There is no way we could overpower these
people.
These people don't give a thought if my sister stays alive after tonight. They will
have me to compensate for Carolyne, once her soul slips away.
"Do you want to learn how we treat insolent boys? Do you want another gash to
partner the one on your head, boy?" Jack snarls, his teeth glinting.
The redhead takes a menacing step forwards, swinging the stick as if it were a
skipping rope.
"You can't hurt me anymore." I don't know where the voice comes from, but it
isn't mine. Shut up! I wanted to slap myself, if that was possible at the moment.
Jack raises one eyebrow. "Well... you are right you know."
I wrinkle my forehead. What does he mean?

It all happens in one swift movement. The redhead makes a move towards me,
and I wince, thinking he might strike me. To my horror, he produces a key and
proceeds to unlock the lock of the metal chain binding Carolyne's body to mine.
Like a pile of cow dung, it all dawned upon me so fast, I couldn't even smell the
stench.
Grabbing my sister's frail body, the redhead held her in a headlock.
Pointing the barrel of the gun at her head, he growls,
"Now are you going to cooperate, boy?"
I'm paralyzed in fear. There is nothing I could do to save her, one part of my
brain whispers. The rest... well, had just frozen.
At the ground, a large shape rises. Max? What--- what had they done to him? I
stare, in shock, as I take in his swollen eyes, purple bruises on his skin, the welts
rising up on his head, the unceasing flow of blood from every open wound all
over his body...
He groans, then seemed to take in the situation. "Jason?" He mutters, groggy.
My voice doesn't respond. No... this night can't just end... we can't just all die a
gruesome death in this ramshackle building,
"Well?" The redhead jams the barrel of the gun harder into Carol's head. I
swallow a large clump of blood which had found its way into my mouth.
Jack narrows his eyes at me. "What would it be?" He bends down, until we're face
to face.
"Would you be our---ah, little pawn of the gang, running errands and distributing
these druggies... or would you rather watch your little sister die right before your
eyes... Mr-I-can't-get-hurt?"
I can't believe it. He's exploiting my weakness. My flaw, my one weak spot. True,
I can stand a punch or two... but hurt me by hurting others?
I spat a mouthful of blood in his face.

Chapter 38: Unexpected Turn

<<Jason's POV>>
"Bah!" Jack yells, and steps backwards. "You asked for it, boy!"
Turning his back on me, he storms towards Max. Leaning forward, he wipes the
blood from his face and flicks it off his hand, onto Max's face. Max coughs, and
fresh blood spews from his mouth. "Don't---" He croaks. He struggles to sit up,
but then Jack roughly pushes him back down, and Max just crumbles.
A strangled gasp escapes my mouth, and Jack turns to me, a wicket grin on his
face. "Now it's time. Feast your eyes upon the very last image of your living,
breathing sister, boy! Then repent on your wrong choice! If only that good-fornothing man Mark's here, this'd open up his eyes widely, this would! Make a man
out of him to be the one pulling the trigger! By the way---" He lowered his hands,
a frown on his face. "Where is that no-good scumbag?"
Suddenly, there is a clicking noise behind Jack. A calm, controlled voice rang out
over the building.
"He'll be on his way to prison--- and you'd be joining him."

I look up, and to my joy, I see a big guy training a gun to Jack's head.
"Put your hands in the air, Jack. And step away from the boy and his sister." The
calm policeman orders, the gun never pointing out of it's target.
Jack freezes. For a moment, images of joy spread through my head. Our whole
family--- alive and well, baking Christmas cookies in our warm kitchen, then
opening presents under the tree, and... and visiting the local orphanage to
distribute free, freshly baked goodies--- all part of our annual Christmas
tradition...
Naturally, as I'm starting to recover a slight glimmer of hope, the little wave of
happiness bubbles over, doubling, and gathering its forces, until there is a tidal
wave reaching up to the skies...
And this one's going to slam down upon all of us in a matter of time.
The door burst open, and everyone looks towards the entrance. As I'd expected,
another policeman stands at the doorway.
As I watch, he calmly retrieves a gun from his trouser pocket and points it...
Right at the other policeman.
He then proceeds to speak in a low, raspy voice... "Everybody in the room-Freeze! I don't care whose side you are on... as long as you all drop your
weapons... I won't fire... got that, Officer Patrick?"
Next to Jack, Officer Patrick stares, dumbfounded at his colleague. "Bu---but...
Eddy?! You are turning against me?"
The guy named Eddy growls. "Shut it, Patrick! You should know better. I told you I
didn't join the police force to bring justice upon just any criminal...
I joined specifically to bring down these BackStabbers. They should know..." Eddy
swings his gun towards first the redhead, then Jack. "You were the ones who
killed my brother." His voice is steely, devoid of any emotion.
Officer Patrick had started stepping slowly to the side. I catch his eye and realize
his plan.
I need to buy him time... or else we all wouldn't escape the night.
Jack tried for a couldn't-care-less snicker, then he stops when he realized that
Eddy's deadly serious. Swallowing, he says, "Look, Ed. Your brother decided to
keep the stash for himself! He than proceeded to sell it by himself... and he didn't
do a good job at it! Now look what had happened! Everyone in the police force
knows who we are!" He wails.
Eddy's steely glare never falters. I hear him pulling at the trigger, as if deciding
whether to just shoot him there and then...

Then the corner of his mouth twitched, and, changing tactics, he swings the
barrel of the gun at...
Carolyne.

Chapter 39: Stunning Revelation

<<Jason's POV>>
"Surrender to me... and no one else will get hurt. I want all your lives, all the
members of the BackStabbers--- including that unconscious man over there," Ed
jerks his head at the bloody Max. "He's the one who personally killed off my
brother like he is only a loose sack of garbage to you! I'll ensure his very
excruciating death. Let me thank you for knocking him out for me. I'll treat him a
little, than leave him to suffer for ten days."
"Ten days--- the amount of time you took to torture the hell out of my brother."
Spinning the barrel of the gun at first the redhead, than Carol, he mused:
"Now... I wonder which would make a better treat. For me to kill off the muscle of
the gang first, and allow the girl to die in his stronghold... or have the pleasure of
killin---"

He never got the chance to finish his sentence.

*****
<<Cassia's POV>>
As soon as the second policeman--- Ed, left for the building, I started to get a
really bad premonition.
My brain worked frantically--- grasping and pulling at loose pieces I could
remember, very faintly...
I was in the police car... and just as I was zoning out, I heard, very faintly, at the
back of my head, the Officer--- Patrick, he chastised the other one, saying "Now,
why did you take that unknown turn? The ambulance wouldn't be able to get
through here."
Suddenly, pieces begin clicking like crazy, and I don't know what made me, but I
turned and ran back the way we came.
Please, let my plan work..
*****
Five minutes later, I reach the police car. I fumble shakily at the door, and sigh in
relief as I realize they hadn't bothered to lock the door. Opening the driver's door,
I reach about the compartments... please, please let there be a cell phone
somewhere...
Bingo! I pulled it out and flip it open. Now, please don't be one of those password
protected...
It must be my lucky hour. I hastily dial the emergency operator, without
bothering to unlock the phone.
After what seemed like a century, the line finally got through, which in a way,
was a miracle.
Taking a deep breath, I hastily cut off the operator's speech.
"Hello?"
<<Jason't POV>>
"Hang on! That girl is Ben daughter, you doof!" The redhead screams at Ed.
For awhile, nothing registers. Then the world seem to come to a spinning halt.
Ed, still clutching the gun, approached him shakily. The redhead backs off, his
arm around Carol. Finally, he hits a wall, and is forced to stay put, while Ed
continues moving forwards.

I notice his grip on the gun is loosening, as his fingers start to shake. "Ben's...
daughter?" His voice is barely audible.
Seizing his chance, Jack buts in, "Yes, yes." He says, nodding his head vigorously.
"He had an affair, you know... before he was caught. He didn't get sentenced to
jail, you know, because the woman didn't file a report. Oh, we busted him out!"
Ed's face hardened. "But you did kill him after that, didn't you, Jack?"
Suddenly, he swings round, the gun flailing through the air, but still in his hand.
"I don't care! I don't care what you did! All I know is that you murdered my
brother! And now you want to murder his child---my niece! I'll have you for that!
You'll be my sweet revenge! After this--- my brother Ben can rest in peace,
knowing that I have avenged his death!!"
"Hold on!" I yell. The gun points at my head. I'm dizzy, the thought racing
through my mind, like freight trains, rushing here and there, colliding with each
other, until I'm left breathless--- the one caught in the middle.
"What, boy?" Eddy snarls.
"Carolyne--- her dad's your brother?"
"They claim that she is Ben's daughter... and I did hear somethings." He edges
closer towards my sister. "She does have his features." He sighs softly.
Then, regaining his composure, he swings the gun, and directs it at the redhead's
forehead. "Let her go. And I'll make your death quick."
Well... that didn't really sound like such a delicious offer to me, but then again,
I'm not complaining, as letting my sister out of his dirty grasp is the best thing
that would happen at the momentThe redhead winces, but Jack calls out from behind.
"Drop the gun, Eddy. I've got another one trained at your head. If you so much as
turn around, well... don't expect your niece to make it out in one piece tonight."
Wonderful. We'd forgotten all about Jack, who had reached for his gun the
moment Ed's back is turned.
Now he hold it up, a smirk on his face. He is confident that he would win, in the
end.
Have I got a few choice bits of information for him!
While all of the hustle had been going on...
no one had noticed someone slip out of the building.
"STOP IN THE NAME OF THE LAW!"

Sure enough, at the doorway, heavily armed men had burst into the room,
wielding their fearsome looking guns. My eyes shine. "Officer Patrick! You did it!"
He gives me a wink. Then, holding up his gun, he trains it at Eddy. "Drop the
weapon and surrender, Partner."
"But that not fair!" Eddy hissed. "What about my justice!" He screeches. "I want
revenge on these people!" He swings the gun at Jack and the redhead and then
Max.
"I command you to lower your weapons, or else we'll be obliged to shoot!"
But Eddy had worked himself up to a state... "I can't be arrested! I'm the police
force, only doing my job! Sure, I did threaten Patrick--- but I waned revenge to
myself! Let me shoot---"
On the word shoot, Patrick fired.
I watched, thunderstruck, as the bullet zipped through the air--- and hit Eddy in
the hand, who drops to the ground.
It all happened in the speed of lightning.
Somehow, the the gun in Ed's grip dropped to the ground...
the impact must've triggered it, and it went off...
The bullet zipped straight at--<<Cassia's POV>>
I couldn't wait outside any longer, not knowing the condition of my two siblings.
From inside the building, a gun went off. The cold feeling never left me.
Pushing past the armed men that surrounded the building, I struggled to get
inside.
A gun fired, making me jump.
I don't know what made me, but I race into the next room...
Just in time to see the bulled pierce my limp sister's body.
I fall to the ground, a new fainting record set.

Harrowing Nights Adventure ends in Tragedy

Harrowing night's adventure results in tragedy for the Snowflake

Sensations
15 December--This just in--- last night, the children of Miss Devine, aged 33, experienced the
most terrifying night of their lives last night in an adventure, during the time
their mother is warded in the local hospital.
The Snowflake Sensations, a small bakery run by the Devine family, had to close
operation ever since Miss Devine was admitted into the hospital. Her children
had been entrusted to her ex-lover's care, also known as the former leader of the
local gang--- the Backstabbers, which had been involved in last night's harrowing
experience.
The children, namely, Cassia, 15, Jason, 14, Carolyne, 11, and Lexy, 4, had
somehow been mixed up in the middle of a excruciating plot, barely escaping a
horrible demise.
Jason claimed that their mother's ex-boyfriend, Max Wells, had been the cause of
the following events.
It all started when the alleged former gang leader, Max had took the children for
a Christmas shopping spree in the local super mart. For some reasons wanted to
be left unknown by the children, Jason took off from the group and hadn't
returned since.
Cassia recounted that they had went home, under the care of none other than
the BackStabber's gang leader, Max Wells, without their brother. Then, Max had
left the three sisters at home, while he took off to the police station to file a
missing persons report, or so he insisted. Reports from the local police declined
that statement, saying that no, Max hadn't shown up at the police station. Later,
we learned that he hadn't wanted to show himself there, seeing as he is wanted
for drug trafficking and the murder of Ben Thomas, who happens to be the father
of Carolyne Devine.
"It came as a shock to all of us, but I suppose that, given our luck, these things
always happen to us." Jason told our reporters, refusing to elaborate further.
After Max took off from the house, also known as The Snowflake
Sensations, Carolyne left the house to make a phone call in the phone booth
down their street, and Cassia had taken Lexy and rushed out after her. Cassia
had failed to trace Carolyne, and instead, she came across their lost brother,
Jason, who relates that he had tried to hitch a ride from none other than two of
the gang's members, but had failed to do so.
Cassia, Lexy and Jason then proceeded to walk up to their house, where they
found their house invaded by the same two members, known as Jack and Mark.
They had turned the house upside down, possibly looking for any money, or
possibly just out of spite. They had tied up their former gang leader--- Max Wells
in the bakery's kitchen, and Cassia and Jason reported hearing them threatening

their former leader. Apparently, Max Wells owed them a sizable amount of money
after he took off with their illegal money.
"After that, they exited the house and began searching for us children. Instead
they found my sister--- Carolyne, and took her away!" A tearful Cassia related.
It is learned that, after those men had kidnapped Carolyne, Jason followed
behind, keeping a safe distance, until they reached a building in the middle of
the Black Woods Area. They then proceeded to hide Carolyne inside.
"I caused a distraction, trying to lead the men away from the building. Then Max
must've come along, and I saw my chance." Jason says, narrating his experience.
He entered and found his sister shivering on the ground, bound up hand and
foot. The then used nothing but a Swiss Army knife to cut away her bonds.
"I thought it was too late... that I was going to lose my sister to hypothermia."
Jason recounted mournfully.
While all of this was going on, Cassia had just discovered Max in the bakery,
gagged and bound up to a chair. "He convinced me to free him, saying he knew
the way, the place they were holding Carolyne captive." Cassia recounted. Sure
enough, Max had took off to the very place. Leaving Cassia behind to telephone
for the police and also for an ambulance for Lexy, who is now admitted into the
same local hospital for catching a terrible cold.
Back in the building, Jason had just finished freeing Carolyne from the rope
binding her. "That was when things went horribly wrong. Before we could escape,
the men entered, bringing reinforcements who had arrived by car, and they had
Max."
The spiteful gang members then started beating up their former leader, whilst a
pair of frightened siblings hid in the next room.
Meanwhile, the police had arrived and were assisting Cassia at the Bakery. Two
officers--- Ed and Patrick, were dispatched with Cassia to the crime scene,
followed by the ambulance.
Over at the building, the gang had just discovered Jason, and had knocked him
out cold. He later woke up, bound back-to-back with his unconscious sister,
sustaining minor head injuries. The gang then started to threaten him, and in the
thick of things, one of them held Carolyne at gunpoint.
The night's events took an unexpected turn at the arrival of the two officers--- Ed
and Patrick. They had found two of the gang outside, supposedly bringing in their
night's stash from a van to the building, and had promptly tied them up and left
them in their van.
They then proceeded to break into the building, where they found a gang
member with a gun to Carolyne's head. The situation worsened as one of the
officers turned. Officer Ed holds a desire to avenge for himself, the death of his
brother, Ben Thomas, who is also Carolyne's father. Once a member of

the BackStabbers, Ben had took off with a large amount of drugs and had sold
them off. He was discovered and locked up, but the other members had broke
him out of jail, tortured him for ten days, and he was murdered gruesomely on
the tenth day.
Reports stated that Ed had lost all sense of control and threatened to shoot
everybody in vicinity--- until it was revealed to him that Carolyne is his niece.
While all of this had been going on, Cassia had rushed off to telephone
reinforcements. Luckily, heavily armed men arrived in the nick of time and
surrounded the building, cutting off all escape routes.
Unfortunately, Ed refused to surrender, and the police were obliged to shoot him.
In that unfortunate moment, Ed's gun went off, and it would've him a gang
member, but he used Carolyne's body to shield himself, thus the bullet went
into Carolyne instead.
This offence is being investigated under several penalties... and it would mean
life in jail for each of the gang members, or a death sentence. Currently, police
officers post guards outside the ward Max Wells is placed in. He would not be let
off lightly.
For more articles on this tragic incident, please refer to the next page.

Loving Family Reunited Under Tragic Circumstances

Loving Family Reunited Under Tragic Circumstances in Hospital after
escaping Vicious Gang
15 December--After their harrowing escape, the three children, Cassia, 15, Jason, 14, and Lexy,
4, are reunited with their mother during a tearful scene at the hospital.
Gathering outside the Emergency Room, the family were in a very miserable
mood as they wept and waited for positive news of their 11 year old sister and
child, Carolyne Devine.
It was just learned that the father of Carolyne Devine is a former member of the
BackStabbers, and was brutally killed a few years back. A so-called policeman
had seeked to avenge his death in the hair-raising incident last night, which had
resulted in the injury of his own niece---Carolyne.
Medical reports stated that the bullet had punctured Carolyne through her leg,
and had implanted itself inside. Doctors are undergoing an emergency operation
to retrieve the bullet, but the chances are looking very slim at the moment.
"Young Carolyne is loosing too much blood... plus she is still very faint from
staying out in the blizzard last night. Even if she survives the shot, she would

have to undergo treatment for hypothermia" A resourceful doctor informed our

reporters crowding around the hotel lobby at 3 a.m. in the morning.
"Oh--- if only I was there for them... but I was stuck in this hospital." Their
mother, Lila Devine, 33, sobs hysterically as she waited nervously for any
positive progressions. "All day long, I hadn't received any visits, none of them
had called... I was so worried!"
"I'm not around for just three days--- and look what had happened! All of us are
admitted into the same hospital, at the same time!" She wails.
True enough, besides Carolyne, their sister, Lexy,4, had been admitted to the
hospital sometime around midnight, having caught a serious cold. It's not lifethreatening, but she needed immediate treatment. As for Jason, 14, he sustained
severe head injuries, as well as large bruises on his back, during the struggle
with the vicious gang members, and had been knocked out by what he described
to be a stick.
In another ward, their oldest sister, Cassia, 15, is undergoing mental and
emotional treatment. She had went into a tremendous shock, after witnessing
the bullet piercing into her sister's flesh, and dropped to the floor in a faint for,
she announces, the third time that night. Her condition at the moment is fairly
unstable, but not deadly.
Their mother had met the alleged former gang leader--- Max Wells, 41, sometime
in March. In the month of May, she found out that she was pregnant with his
child.
"I shudder to think that I had been romantically involved with two members of
that dreaded gang!" Lila Devine states. Miss Devine is under medical prescription
for her unstable mental and emotional health at the moment.
"Meeting Max Wells was the worst point in my entire life, and that's saying
something!" She wailed.
She went on about her former lover, stating that he'd left her as soon as he knew
about the child, and didn't return for an interval of seven months. She is
currently filing out public complaints on Max Wells, and he would be judged
under the penalty of harassment, domestic violence, making violent threats and
of course, for the murder of Ben Thomas.
"Ben was so much more tamer than Max. I could almost forgive him. But Max---"
Lila Devine goes on by uttering a few choice words about his behaviour.
Which goes to say, family is what matters most. Carolyne and Cassia had been
concerned about the whereabouts of Jason the previous night. Then, Jason had
boldly ventured alone, in the cold winter's night, while we were all dozing in our
warm beds, these children risked their lives in order to save what matters most
in the end--Here's to the Snowflake Sensations. The whole country grieves with you.

For more information about the Snowflake Sensations, refer to the article on the
next page.

The Snowflake Sensation Saving Program (SSSP)

Help to Put the Snowflake Sensation back to Business!
16 December--The Snowflake Sensations, a bakery ran by the Devine family, is facing
serious financial problems, as the family struggles to pay up their debts, and
hardly scrapping by in their lives.
Join the Snowflake Sensation Saving Program (SSSP), organized by
the FamilyValue Centre, as they organize donations for the devastated family, as
a small aid in overcoming their grief.
"Their goal is to raise funds for the family in order to support them by building a
new bakery." The chairperson of the organization announces at the opening
ceremony at their old venue.
The place, once the family's living quarters as well as work space, had been
cruelly demolished in the interior by members of the BackStabbers.
"The family is in desperate need of money, and we couldn't think of a better way
to step up and lend a helping hand." Chairperson, Macy Drew announced.
"Throughout this week long organization, we expect to hold many programs to
benefit this fund raising event, and collect enough money to set up a better
venue for the Snowflake Sensations to operate as soon as they are well enough
to.
The committee could be seen mingling with the Devine family in the hospital.

"I'm truly grateful for all your trouble. I'd like to thank all those who are
contributing to this program as well. It means so much to my family and I to have
a better living environment from now on." Lila Devine, 33, smiles at Drew with
tears in her eyes--- but this time, they are of gratitude.
"The Snowflake Sensations is the only home we truly knew, and we don't want to
just lose it all in one day. We'd already lost too much." Jason, 14, says, as he
mourns his lost.
"The eldest girl--- Cassia, she had been unexceptionally kind to my
granddaughter and I," reported a grateful woman in her seventies, who wished to
remain unknown. "Why--- just five days ago she gifted us four of their Snowflake
Sensations--- cupcakes, you know, and out of the goodness of her heart she did!"
"They tasted absolutely finger-lickin' good!" The little girl at her side informs the
press, presumably her granddaughter. "That nice lady gave it to us for free! She
wished us a very Merry Christmas! She deserves a better Christmas!"
The words of a five year old--- The family does deserve a better Christmas!
So, what are you waiting for? Get up and get out, lend a hand in helping this
grief-stricken family today! The kind-hearted family, who had never failed to put
a smile on the faces of the little children at the local orphanage every year.
"They always come, on Christmas day, with their fresh-baked goodies, for the
children, and it delights them so!" The owner and founder of
the MerryLight Orphanage recounts. "They have a loving heart, and they show
that even though you aren't part of a merry, supportive family, you could spread
the love and joy during the festive season!"
They have been through so many hardships, and they did do the town a great
favour by helping the police rid the town of those vicious gangsters. What better
way than to thank them for--- for with every great favour comes a greater
sacrifice? How much longer could we stand to see our fellow neighbours suffer--and in such a cheerful season?
If you are in any way, unable to participate in this event, why don't you warm up
your little heart back where you live? You never know--- you might make
someone's day--- you might even save someone's life!
Get up and start the day by putting a smile on someone's face!
Once more, we want to urge the public to step forward and make a willing
contribution to this worthy cause. This is a wonderful way towards building a
closely knit society--- and it begins with you!
For more information regarding the Snowflake Sensation Saving Program (SSSP),
please refer to the number given below, or you could email the link attached.
For further related articles on the Devine family Breaking News: please refer to
the next page.

Are Policemen up to the Job?

Are the local policemen up to the job?
16 December--A review relating to the previous Breaking News--- The Snowflake Sensation's
Harrowing Night.
Really, I think the question going through everyone's mind following the recent
news is:
Just how reliable are the policemen these days? Are we able to place our
complete trust upon these noble, uniformed men?
Just two nights ago, one policeman of our town's police department had turned
against his colleague, even against our innocent citizens! The alleged, Eddy
Thomas, had his gun trained on each and everyone involved in the night's
harrowing experience. He even threatened to personally murder all the members
of the gang--- of whom he held a personal grudge towards.
Now, we are all concerned about the worthiness of the rest of the squad--- how
can we be sure they had joined the police force with a worthy intention? How

many times are we to be put under the pressure of not trusting the people we
were taught to place our full trust upon?
Can the government make a thorough investigation? We just want to know, in
the current state of our world right now, if we could still rely upon anyone clothed
in the police uniform.
I hope this article would raise public awareness among the modern day society--We have rights against dangerous situations like what had happened to the poor
children two nights ago.
What would a life be--- if lived in constant fear?

Epilogue
<<Jason's POV>>
Finally, the day had arrived. After spending one month in this old house, I can't
wait to leave for our own home...
I get dressed, careful not to touch the recuperating wound on my head.
Heaving a little sigh, I grab my few belongings and stuff them into my backpack.
Taking one last look around the small room which could barely squeeze in a
sleeping bag.
What would the days ahead bring?
*****

<<Cassia's POV>>
I hear a knock at the door, and mom sticks her head through the door. Sighing, I
stash the picture in my hands into my bag and attempt a small smile.
"So... we're leaving today, Cass." Mom breezes into the room, drawing the blinds
and fluffing up the pillows. At my side. Lexy rolls over on the mattress.
"Yeah. About that..." My voice trails off. I'm uncertain.
"Oh, honey." Mom plops herself down beside me and wraps her arms around me.
I inhale her warm, fragrant aroma. I could tell that she had just finished baking.
The smell of vanilla and chocolate lingers around mom, and I try to focus on that
comfort.
"It's been one month, mom..." I whisper.
"I know, honey. I know." She pats my hair.
"What if we don't adjust?" I hesitated before adding, "What if we don't like it?"
Mom strokes my hair. "Well... we will do our best to adjust. It'll only be a matter
of time before we settle in, don't you worry dear."
I sniff, and resist the urge to burst into tears. I'm sixteen now, I tell myself. I
could be able to control my emotions... thinking about that, my smile wavers. It
had been a week since I went for therapy. As much as I didn't want to admit... I'm
the unstable one.
I don't know how I feel about the change--- suddenly, mom is the one there for
me, supporting me, and I'm the one constantly going off my head. My therapist
tells me not to worry--- it's only the aftereffects.
But how could I ever get that horrifying scene out of my head?
*****
"I'll miss you, Cassia." Six-year-old Jennette gazes tearfully up at me. I take her
up in my arms and give her a goodbye hug. "I'll miss you, too, Jen. You've been
excellent company." Placing her back down, I turn to an old woman in her
seventies...
"Thank you so much, Mrs Jolly. You've been very hospitable to us for this whole
month--- I don't know how to thank you." Tears are threatening to spill, as I gaze
upon the kindly woman--- who, just last month, had been so poor, I had
generously offered her four of our Snowflake Sensations.
Now, she heard news of her son--- Jen's dad, who had been thought to had been
lost during a sea voyage... I'm glad that they could be reunited once more, and
glad that they could rely upon Jen's dad for a living. For the short while that we
stayed, mom had insisted that she help by baking and selling the goods. Now
she hands the money to Mrs Jolly.

"Thank you, Mrs Jolly, for letting us stay here while the building is undergoing
construction." Mom thanks.
"It's no big deal." Mrs Jolly smiles at me. "Cassia here had been the first to reach
out, and now my son is reunited with Jen--- all of my wishes are complete now.
You can keep the money--- use it to set up business once more, Lila."
Mom blinks, the envelope in her outstretched hand. I grab it and hand it to Mrs
Jolly. "No, I absolutely insist you take it. We wouldn't have been able to rest here
and gather our thoughts if not for your kindness and support... please do accept
it."
At the driveway, the taxi man honked the car horn impatiently. Inside, I could
see Lexy getting restless, and Jason is trying to keep her under control.
"Come on," I say, dragging mom away. "We have one more thing to do."
*****
The taxi drops us off in front of our destination. Mom pays the driver and we all
get out.
Standing in this well known place, I suddenly feel shaky in the knees. Over time, I
had begun to feel attached to this place--- we had spent so much time here. I
also started to fear this place, after today, I don't ever want to come back here
again.
We walk into the hobby, and take the lift up to the ninth floor.
I hold Lexy's hand, and stare unblinkingly at the moving numbers on the lift's
panel. As we nearer our destined floor, I started to feel the nervousness that had
not totally left me.
Sensing my uneasy, Jason took my arm. Smilingly, he looks at me with so much
confidence, so much certainty--- I wonder at the change in him. After that
experience, we had all changed, so much so...
But there is one of us who had changed the most--- both physically and mentally.
Finally, the elevators opened with a ding, and sure enough, there she is.
As soon as she saw us, Carolyne breaks into a smile. How long had she been
waiting?
I look at her. and my smile drops ever so slightly. Then, feeling Jason's firm grip
on my arm, I pull myself together and take a step towards her.
"Are we ready to go now?" She beams up at us from where she sits. A nurse
stands behind her, and I try not to let that unnerve me any further. "I can't wait
to see the place."

Mom places a hand on her shoulders. I could see that she is struggling to hold
herself together as well. "Yes, dear. We could go now."
"Great." Carolyne smiles at us.
Suddenly, my confidence wavers. "But--- will we be able to adapt?" I voiced, not
very loudly. I could feel the tremor in my voice.
Reaching out, Carolyne took hold of my right hand. "Of course we will, Cassia. No
matter what, we would survive this." She is confident, as well. Why is everyone
suddenly so sure things would turn out? Normally, I have to be the one
reassuring everybody else.
Jason takes my other hand. "Don't worry, Cass. For things would not matter, as
long as we have each other," He says.
"As long as we are together," Carolyne continues, a big smile on her face.
"And as long as we are a family," Mom squeezes my shoulders.
Sighing, I let my face relax for the first time that morning. "You're right."
Mom beams. "Then, let's get going!"
Jason's hand in mine, I hoist Lexy up with the other arm. Mom trails behind us,
pushing Carolyne along.
I try not to dwell on the thought that my sister is seated on a wheelchair.
I try not to think about how changed we all are.
I try to focus, instead, on the future, and just let the past drop.
A new home, a new start, a new life...
My family is right. I should not dwell on any negative thoughts, but focus on the
fact that we're all together, all still a happy family, all still living together, still
running the Snowflake Sensations...
Stepping outside the hospital, a cool gust of wind blows in my face.
As I stare up at the sky, I watch as tiny snowflakes descend peacefully to the
ground. Reaching out, I let snowflakes gather on my palm. Five of them. Five of
us. We are the five Snowflakes, the ones holding the bright hope for our future.
We still have exciting lives laid out for all of us...
Soon, we would reach the new location of the new Snowflake Sensations. I have
no idea what surprises lie ahead, what twists and turns are waiting in the
future... but there is one thing I am certain--Grabbing my siblings hands, I smile at them.
"The Snowflake Sensations are back in business!"